The Bill Simmons Podcast

Zach Lowe, ESPN NBA analyst and former Grantland colleague of Bill Simmons, dives into the pressing questions facing the NBA as the 2022-23 season approaches. They scrutinize the 76ers’ chances of success and whether the Celtics missed their title opportunity. The duo examines the playoff prospects for the Nuggets and the evolving dynamics within the Eastern Conference, highlighting critical trades by the Hawks and Cavs. Their insightful banter captures the excitement and unpredictability of a new NBA season.

Cousin Sal, a regular humorist and sports betting expert, joins the conversation to recap an action-packed NFL week. They discuss surprising performances, particularly the Eagles' comeback win and the struggling Broncos. Sal hilariously shares tales of fantasy football chaos and the trials of sports parenting. The duo also debates quarterback controversies, delving into the Tua situation and the Zappe-Rodgers matchup. They mix insights with laughs while making bold predictions for Week 5 and sharing their betting woes.

Joe House, a contributor to The Ringer, shares insights on NBA Media Day, humorously dissecting player quotes and team dynamics. They then transition to a conversation with Benjamin Solak about NFL Week 4 matchups, focusing on bets and standout underdogs. Finally, Judd Apatow joins to discuss his daughter's influential role in 'Euphoria,' the comedy landscape of the 2000s, and the creative processes behind his new film 'Bros.' It's a lively mix of sports and showbiz!

Bill Simmons chats with Brian Windhorst, an ESPN NBA insider, about LeBron James' career crossroads, his extension with the Lakers, and the future of Anthony Davis. They also delve into the potential for midseason trades and NBA expansion. Later, Simmons' daughter, Zoe, shares her insights on teen culture, her shift in social media habits, and the impact of shows like 'Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story' on today's youth. Their discussion offers a candid look at high school life and the challenges teens face in a digital age.

Cousin Sal, a renowned sports betting expert, joins for a lively discussion on NFL happenings. They analyze the Broncos’ unimpressive win against the 49ers and the Jaguars' dominance over the Chargers. The duo dives into the struggles of the Chiefs and the Bills' performance against the Dolphins, discussing what it means for their season. They also predict Week 4 betting lines and share comedic insights on parenting through sports, blending humor with sports analysis for an entertaining take on the NFL.

This week, Peter Schrager, an NFL Network contributor, and Benjamin Solak from The Ringer join to discuss the turmoil surrounding the Celtics and the Phoenix Suns' impending sale. They dive into the hopeful energy around New York football, analyze the 49ers' QB situation, and evaluate teams on the Panic Meter before Week 3. The duo also explores exciting matchups like Ravens-Patriots and Bills-Dolphins, sprinkled with insightful betting strategies that promise to keep listeners engaged and entertained.

Ariel Helwani, a renowned MMA journalist, joins Logan Murdock, a savvy NBA analyst, and Sean Patrick Griffin, a criminology professor and author, for a lively discussion. They tackle the Buffalo Bills' Super Bowl prospects, analyze Kevin Durant’s uncertain NBA future, and unravel the complexities of the Tim Donaghy betting scandal. The conversation highlights the UFC's exciting fights and contrasts WWE’s recent resurgence with AEW's struggles, all while emphasizing the importance of integrity in sports and media narratives.

Cousin Sal, a sports betting whiz known for his humor, joins the conversation to dissect thrilling NFL comebacks, including the Dolphins and Jets' victories. They highlight the Giants' surprising upswing and analyze underperforming teams like the Bengals. The duo shares laughs over player dramas and tricky betting strategies for upcoming games. As they wrap up, Sal offers a playful look at parenting amidst sports chaos, blending insights on football with relatable family anecdotes.

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by NFL Network's Peter Schrager to discuss classic mistakes NFL teams make (1:37), and where teams rank on the post-Week 1 panic scale—including the Patriots, Ravens, Dolphins, Cowboys, Cardinals, Eagles, Broncos, Packers, and more (41:28)—before kicking around some bets for Million-Dollar picks (29:30). Then, Bill talks with The Ringer's Benjamin Solak about some upcoming Week 2 matchups, including Ravens-Dolphins, Patriots-Steelers, Packers-Bears, Bengals-Cowboys, Broncos-Texans, Panthers-Giants, Browns-Jets, and more (55:09). Finally, Bill reveals the Million-Dollar Picks for NFL Week 2 (1:24:29).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Peter Schrager and Ben SolakProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt discussion, Kevin O'Connor, J. Kyle Mann, and Chris Ryan pay tribute to their late friend Jonathan Tjarks, celebrating his profound influence on basketball writing. They delve into the nostalgia of the 2018 NBA draft, analyzing decisions and potential re-drafts with humor and insight. The group discusses evaluations of current talents like Trae Young and Luka Dončić, while reflecting on Tjarks' legacy of resilience and passion for the game. Personal anecdotes and meaningful dialogues create a touching homage to Tjarks' spirit.