The Bill Simmons Podcast

Rob Mahoney, a savvy NBA writer for The Ringer, discusses Russell Westbrook's impressive revival with the Clippers and the Suns' reliance on star players like Durant and Booker amidst playoff pressures. Meanwhile, Andy Greenwald, co-host of The Watch, offers insights into the finale of HBO's 'Succession,' debating its place among TV's greatest shows. They also explore the storytelling dynamics of iconic series, touching on character development and the impact of narrative choices.

J. Kyle Mann, a savvy sports analyst from The Ringer, and Haralabos Voulgaris, a seasoned sports gambler, break down the NBA playoffs with razor-sharp insights. They discuss the Suns' narrow win over the Clippers and the Warriors' precarious position following Draymond Green’s suspension. Trae Young's disappointing performance sparks debates about trade options, while the Kings challenge the Warriors' dominance. The duo also explores playoff strategies and the impact of key player performances, revealing the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball.

Ryen Russillo, a seasoned sports analyst from The Ringer, joins to share his take on the thrill of the NBA playoffs. They dive into the surprising performance of the 'Zombie Heat' in Milwaukee and Russell Westbrook's impact in the Clippers' win. The discussion shifts to the Lakers' resurgence, featuring player highlights like Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Russillo also analyzes the Warriors-Kings showdown and the psychological matchups between stars Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant, revealing the unpredictable nature of this playoff season.

Brian Windhorst, ESPN's NBA reporter known for his keen analysis, discusses the most captivating playoff storylines, such as the future of the Warriors and the next steps for the Tatum-Brown duo. He considers the pivotal moments facing teams like the 76ers and Hawks. Bill's Dad joins in to share his insights on Boston's sports scene, reflecting on the Bruins' historic season and the struggles of the Red Sox while highlighting the playoff-bound Celtics' prospects. It's a lively mix of NBA drama and local sports passion!

Kevin O’Connor, an NBA writer for The Ringer, shares insights on the Lakers' thrilling play-in victory over the Timberwolves and their playoff hopes against the Grizzlies. He also examines the Heat’s disappointing performance against the Hawks. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Wesley Morris dives into the nostalgia of the film 'Air' while dissecting Ben Affleck's unique Hollywood journey. The conversation further explores the complexity of modern storytelling in shows like 'Succession,' shedding light on character development and industry challenges.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Timberwolves sending Rudy Gobert home mid-game after he punched teammate Kyle Anderson, as well as the Lakers' updated playoff path (4:13). Then, they discuss the Mavericks punting on the 2023 playoffs and how this season affects Luka's legacy (24:45). They also talk finalized NBA standings, play-in games, and most fun first-round series (48:39) before debating some last-minute NBA awards and making All-NBA arguments before the ballots are due (1:14:14).Host: Bill SimmonsGuest: Ryen RussilloProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe House, a seasoned contributor at The Ringer, joins chef and restaurateur Dave Chang and sports analyst Nathan Hubbard for a lively discussion. They explore the pressure on the Suns post-KD trade and ponder whether load management is diluting the MVP narrative. Shifting from basketball to Augusta, they share firsthand experiences from the Masters, touch on Tiger Woods' struggles, and dissect Brooks Koepka’s strong start. With humor and insight, they consider which players might shake up the leaderboard as the tournament unfolds.

Join musician Jason Isbell, famed for his introspective lyrics and showcased in HBO's documentary, and renowned chef Dave Chang, who revolutionized dining with Momofuku, as they dive into life’s pleasures. They share laughter over food debates, reminisce about Tiger Woods at the Masters, reveal personal inspirations behind songwriting, and discuss the authenticity challenges of music documentaries. Their dynamic banter seamlessly blends the worlds of culinary delights and emotional artistry, making for a captivating listener experience.

Ryen Russillo, a sports analyst and basketball expert, joins Van Lathan, a commentator and writer known for his cultural insights. They dive into the NBA playoff chaos, dissecting the Bucks' surge and the Mavericks' struggles. The discussion also touches on the evolution of women's basketball, spotlighting Caitlin Clark's influence after LSU’s championship win. Additionally, they explore the complexities of an upcoming positionless All-NBA team, raising intriguing questions about fairness and player classification in the MVP race.

Rob Mahoney, a writer for The Ringer, dives into the Celtics' recent sweeping victory over the Bucks, discussing player dynamics and the MVP race. Meanwhile, David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide bring the excitement of WrestleMania 39 to life, analyzing key matches like Omos vs. Brock Lesnar and Logan Paul's surprising wrestling journey. The trio also explores evolving playoff narratives in both the NBA and WWE, highlighting the thrill of rivalries and the intense competition expected as the playoffs approach.