The Bill Simmons Podcast

Joe House, a Senior writer at The Ringer, shares his keen NBA insights, diving into Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP candidacy and potential trades for Giannis. Media reporter Matt Belloni discusses the implications of Warner Bros. Discovery's potential sale, highlighting interest from Netflix and Paramount. John Cena, wrestling superstar and actor, reflects on his WWE journey, injury struggles, and plans for retirement, emphasizing the art of storytelling and the importance of mentoring in the industry.

In a lively discussion, Max Kellerman, a renowned sports commentator and boxing analyst, shares insights on the struggling Clippers and Anthony Davis's trade prospects. He and Bill Simmons dive into potential Giannis trade scenarios, with intriguing teams like San Antonio and Atlanta in the mix. The duo also debates the merits of aging stars versus younger talent, while comparing the legacies of Kobe, Curry, and LeBron. Plus, they tackle the current state of the Yankees and compare Shohei Ohtani's achievements to Babe Ruth's historic feats.

Cousin Sal, a comedic podcast collaborator, joins to recap an exciting Broncos win and highlights the most depressed NFL fanbases. Todd McShay, ESPN draft analyst, and Van Lathan, passionate LSU supporter, dive into Lane Kiffin's controversial move from Ole Miss to LSU. They discuss the significance of this coaching shift and the advantages LSU holds. The trio also reflects on the chaos in college football, touching on NIL issues and fan reactions, making for a lively and insightful conversation.

Kirk Goldsberry, an expert on NBA analytics, discusses the surge in league scoring, trends in defensive tactics, and player styles reshaping the game. Joe House provides insights on Thanksgiving NFL betting picks and culinary favorites. Chris Ryan dives into Philadelphia sports and the hit show 'Landman,' while also exploring the future of TV and the streaming landscape. Zoe Simmons shares her generation's love for 'Stranger Things,' reflecting on nostalgia and the show's cultural impact.

Cousin Sal, a comedian and sports betting expert, dives into NFL Week 12 with Bill Simmons, sharing his insights as a passionate Cowboys fan. They discuss Dallas’s impressive turnaround and Marvin Pickens' impact. Sal and Bill express gratitude for Thanksgiving football and highlight memorable coaching blunders that entertain fans. They also predict betting lines for Week 13, reflect on the standout performances around the league, and close with heartwarming moments from their personal lives in Parent Corner.

Zach Lowe, a veteran NBA analyst known for his insightful basketball breakdowns, joins to discuss the League Pass rankings of the most entertaining teams this season. He highlights the Houston Rockets' resurgence, Kevin Durant's mentorship, and the emerging talents like Jabari Smith Jr. Joe House, a sports writer specializing in NFL insights, shares betting strategies and key picks, including a Chiefs-Lions parlay. Their lively banter covers everything from the Lakers' star dynamics to underdog teams worth watching.

Bill Simmons dives into the return of the listener mailbag with intriguing questions and quirky comparisons. He discusses Jalen Brown's hair analogy and the impact of coaching changes on NFL futures. Simmons also speculates on LeBron as a buyout operator and compares key NBA moments like the 2003 Draft versus the 2016 Finals. He suggests fun trades for the Celtics and explores the evolution of 'podcasts' as a term. With comedic takes on movie deaths and a nostalgic nod to unique NBA jump shots, it's a mix of sports, humor, and pop culture.

Cousin Sal, a well-known gambling expert and regular podcast contributor, joins to recap the thrilling action of Week 11 in the NFL. They dive into the standout performance of the Eagles' defense and debate the reliability of struggling quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Sam Darnold. Concerns about Patrick Mahomes' form spark lively discussion, while they rate shocking game results in their unique 'improbability' game. The duo also makes predictions for Week 12 betting lines, capping off with a heartfelt tribute to musician Cleto Escobedo III.

Tim Legler, a former NBA player and now a savvy analyst, joins to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive gameplay and their defensive identity, alongside Nikola Jokic's resurgence and the floundering Clippers. The conversation pivots to surprising teams like the emerging Detroit Pistons. Later, Joe House and newcomer Billy Gil dive into NFL trends, tackle the Dolphins' recent struggles, and highlight alternate uniform betting strategies. Their discussions provide a humorous and insightful look at both the NBA and NFL landscapes.

Chuck Klosterman, an acclaimed author and cultural critic, joins the conversation to delve into the Mavericks’ surprising firing of Nico Harrison and the controversial Luka Doncic trade. They reflect on infamous sports trades throughout history while analyzing the complexities of the Anthony Davis trade market. Klosterman also discusses the renaissance of baseball thanks to the pitch clock and explores how boredom spurs creativity in a digital age. Their lively exchange touches on college coaching dynamics and the evolving standards of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.