The Bill Simmons Podcast

Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the first three days of the NBA season, including Suns-Lakers, 76ers-Bucks, and Knicks-Celtics. Then, Bill is joined by Peter Schrager to identify which teams can make a postseason run, discussing the Texans' ceiling, a turbulent Browns season, and more. Finally, Bill makes his Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 8.

Doc Rivers, a seasoned NBA coach known for his thoughtful insights, dives deep into the NBA's opening night and the evolving dynamics of the league. He reflects on his unique offseason away from coaching, analyzes the Celtics' busy moves, and shares thoughts on the potential of the young Thunder and rising star Victor Wembanyama. Rivers also discusses LeBron James's longevity and the challenges teams face, offering a look at the nuances of player chemistry and the strategic mindset needed to excel in the competitive landscape.

Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert and regular contributor, joins the discussion touching on the Eagles' triumph over the Dolphins and the Patriots' stunning win against the Bills. He dives into key NFL matchups, revealing surprising team performances and betting insights. The duo also navigates through the complexities of betting lines for Week 8, while humorously examining the influence of celebrity culture on the NFL, notably Taylor Swift's rumored romance. They wrap up with relatable tales of parenthood and nostalgic memories involving family pets.

Howard Beck, a veteran NBA writer, shares insights on the Ja Morant and James Harden trade debacle, dissecting its implications for their teams. Ariel Helwani dives into the latest from UFC 294, comparing the dynamics of boxing and MMA, while also addressing the rivalry between WWE and AEW. Amanda Dobbins hilariously critiques 'The Morning Show', highlighting its absurdities and the guilty pleasure of watching it. Expect entertaining commentary on sports, pop culture, and strategic betting picks throughout the discussion.

Sports commentator Ryen Russillo and sports podcaster Joe House join Bill Simmons to discuss NBA win totals for the Atlantic and Southeast divisions. They analyze the Celtics' chances for a successful season and a title win, delve into the defensive identity of the Celtics, debate win projections, discuss the Knicks' potential, analyze the Miami Heat's performance, and debate over/under predictions for various NBA teams.

Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst renowned for his basketball expertise, joins sports journalist Joe House for a lively discussion. They delve into NBA win totals, spotlighting the Suns' playoff prospects hinging on player durability. The Lakers and Warriors are scrutinized through the lens of star power, while insights into team dynamics emerge, particularly for the Kings and Bucks. The duo also evaluates Giannis's potential with Damian Lillard, assesses MVP odds, and examines recent trades impacting teams across the Pacific and Central divisions.

Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Joe House to discuss NBA win totals for the Midwest and Southwest divisions. They analyze the potential of the Denver Nuggets and the return of Jamal Murray. They predict the chances of Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert as teammates and debate the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff hopes. The speakers discuss the potential of the Oklahoma City Thunder and compare Shay to other players. They evaluate the Portland Trail Blazers' roster and consider them an 'under.' The hosts share differing opinions on the Grizzlies and discuss the Dallas Mavericks' win total prediction. They explore the challenges faced by the New Orleans Pelicans and express excitement for Zion Williamson's potential.

Cousin Sal, a sports betting expert known for his comedic flair, and Joe House, a savvy analyst, join for a lively sports discussion. They dive into bizarre NFL outcomes, including the Jets' shocking win against the Eagles and the 49ers falling to the Browns. The duo tackles quarterback struggles and the rising competitiveness of teams like the Lions. Plus, they play 'Guess the Lines' for NFL Week 7. The conversation blends humorous banter with valuable betting insights, keeping it entertaining and informative.

Bill Simmons is joined by Craig Horlbeck and Danny Heifetz to propose exciting tweaks to the NFL season. Bill talks with Austin Gayle about nerdy stats from the 2023-24 NFL season. J. Kyle Mann discusses the stacked NBA rookie class. Bill and Joanna Robinson discuss her new book and the actors whose careers have benefited from Marvel films.

Kevin O'Connor, an NBA writer for The Ringer, dives into the Oklahoma City Thunder's bright future, highlighting rookie Chet Holmgren's impact and possible midseason trade scenarios. He compares OKC to other overachieving teams and discusses Rookie of the Year narratives. Meanwhile, NFL analyst Benjamin Solak unveils the Broncos as a teardown candidate and debates Kirk Cousins' trade viability. They analyze the struggling Steelers' offense and the 1-4 Patriots, giving insights into team dynamics across both leagues.