The Bill Simmons Podcast

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss teams who may be "one trade away" from seriously improving their season, including the Grizzlies, Cavaliers, Celtics, Mavericks, 76ers, Hornets, and more (1:16). Then Bill talks with writer, producer, and loyal baseball fan Mike Schur about the Baseball Hall of Fame induction debates, the MLB lockout remaining unresolved as spring training approaches, Mike's pitch on how former players mired in PED controversy can still make the Hall of Fame, and more (56:01). Finally, Bill is joined by his dad to discuss Boston sports, including the Celtics, Tom Brady's retirement, the future of the Patriots, and more (1:26:54).Host: Bill SimmonsGuests: Rob Mahoney, Mike Schur, Bill's DadProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, author Chuck Klosterman shares his insights on Tom Brady's legendary career and the art of longevity in sports. They explore the evolution of instant replay and its implications for the game. Chuck dives into his new book about the ‘90s, reminiscing how the decade shaped culture and the internet's impact on social connectivity. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, Klosterman reflects on the complexities of athlete recognition across eras and the changing dynamics of friendship in today's digital age.

Cousin Sal, known for his sports betting expertise and humor, joins Kevin O’Connor, a keen NBA analyst, to dive into the latest NFL and NBA news. They dissect the Bengals' thrilling win over the Chiefs and the Rams' unexpected resurgence, sparking chatter about Super Bowl narratives. Sal shares betting insights, while Kevin breaks down crucial trade teams as the NBA deadline looms. They also touch on player performances, comparing underachieving franchises like the Wizards and Kings, with an eye on potential game-changing trades.

Brian Windhorst, an ESPN NBA expert, and Peter Schrager, an NFL analyst, dive deep into the NBA landscape, discussing the Cleveland Cavaliers' rise and the Brooklyn Nets' struggles. They delve into player development, trade complexities, and strategic shifts shaping team dynamics. The conversation then shifts gears to the NFL playoffs, highlighting key matchups like Rams-49ers and Chiefs-Bengals, while sharing insights on betting strategies and making million-dollar predictions for the championship weekend.

Wosny Lambre, an insightful contributor to The Ringer, dives into Joel Embiid's incredible yet challenging NBA journey, dissecting trade speculations around Ben Simmons and James Harden. Kevin Hench, a passionate Red Sox fan, reflects on David Ortiz's momentous Hall of Fame induction and its cultural significance. Former NBA tough guy Charles Oakley shares legendary stories from his career, touches on ‘The Last Dance,’ and discusses his upcoming book, offering a gritty look at the life of one of basketball's fiercest competitors.

Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator known for his gambling insights, joins the discussion on thrilling NFL playoffs. They analyze the Chiefs' overtime victory and the iconic duel between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. The conversation also dives into Tom Brady's uncertain future following his team's loss, as well as the Packers' surprising exit from the playoffs. Sal offers humorous takes on family dynamics and sports betting, bringing an entertaining blend of analysis and anecdotes to the table.

Ariel Helwani, an MMA journalist known for his keen insights into UFC, joins the conversation to discuss the Buffalo Bills' upcoming playoff clash and the heavyweight title fight between Francis Ngannou and Ciryl Gane. Peter Schrager, an NFL Network analyst, dives into playoff strategies and high-stakes predictions, sharing a gambling manifesto that fans won't want to miss. The dynamic discussions touch on Ngannou's incredible journey, Brady's potential retirement, and thoughts on Million-Dollar Betting Picks for the playoffs.

Raja Bell, a former NBA player and insightful commentator, joins Joe House, a contributor to The Ringer, for a lively conversation. They dive into Kevin Durant's injury and how it affected the Nets' troubled season. They also dissect the Lakers' roster flaws and explore the strength of the Cavaliers and Grizzlies. Later, House shares thoughts on the NBA All-Star voting and touches on the Cardinals' playoff loss, bringing a mix of basketball and NFL insights. Their banter keeps the vibe both entertaining and informative!

Cousin Sal, a regular sports commentator, joins to dissect the latest NFL playoff heartbreaks, including the Cowboys' latest loss and the Bills' domination over the Patriots. They analyze key matchups, quarterback performances, and the role of officiating errors in shaping playoff narratives. Sal shares humorous parenting anecdotes, blending sports bets with life’s challenges, and they engage in spirited predictions about the upcoming games. Their banter reveals the emotional rollercoaster of being a football fan, making for a deeply relatable and entertaining discussion.

Join NFL analyst Ben Solak, known for his insightful contributions at The Ringer, and Peter Schrager, from Good Morning Football, as they dive into the NFL playoffs. They dissect the fallout from the Rams-Cardinals game and its implications for Matthew Stafford’s trade perception. Is Jimmy Garoppolo the unsung hero of the 49ers? The duo delves into critical playoff matchups, quarterback dynamics, and even makes their coveted Million-Dollar Picks, blending strategy and humor in their analysis.