The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Thunder surviving the Pelicans in Game 1, their favorite and least favorite Round 1 series so far (1:43), before running through all the weekend's games (20:39). Next, they examine Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard's playoff performances and injury history, Nikola Jokic’s legacy potential, and much more (1:14:04). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey to discuss the highly anticipated 76ers-Knicks playoff series (1:34). Then, Bill talks with Kevin Wildes of FS1 to discuss the Lakers-Nuggets Round 1 playoff series (34:39), ESPN's Bill Belichick story (53:44), and some Half-Baked Ideas (1:17:44). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Kevin Wildes Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss first-round NBA playoff matchups (1:25), before playing a game of "What-If" for the playoffs (24:22). Next, Bill talks with Logan Murdock about the Warriors' elimination from the postseason, offseason speculation, and more (49:21). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Rob Mahoney and Logan Murdock Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer’s Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo and Steve Ceruti to break down the remaining playoff matchups, including Magic-Cavs, and talk about whom the Celtics should want in their series (0:47). Next, Bill and Russillo go through their MVP ballots, All-NBA teams, and the rest of their regular-season award picks (23:38). Finally, they close it out with a little Masters talk and takeaways from UFC 300 (1:25:14). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss all the NBA movement from this weekend, including the Suns' strong finish, the Spurs defeating the Nuggets and changing the Western Conference playoff seeding, the Warriors' best-case scenario, a look at the Clippers-Mavericks matchup, the Knicks solidifying the 2-seed in the East, health concerns for the Bucks and 76ers, and more! Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe House to discuss NBA playoff scenarios (15:24). Bill, House, and Nathan Hubbard then discuss Round 1 of the Masters (33:55), and new developments in the Shohei Ohtani gambling investigation (1:01:45). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House and Nathan Hubbard Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House to discuss athletes that have raised the profile of a sport and where Caitlin Clark fits into that group (4:05), NBA title contenders paired with Masters contenders (29:01), and Bill's 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' mini pyramid (1:09:09). Then Bill is joined by '3 Body Problem' creators David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and Alexander Woo for a spoiler-free discussion about creating a bingeable TV show in 2024, David and Dan's decision to leap into sci-fi after 'Game of Thrones,' the future of entertainment technology, and more (1:24:33). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Joe House, David Benioff, Dan Weiss, and Alexander Woo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the captivating Mavericks, first-round playoff teams, and some All-NBA ballot thoughts (1:07) before presenting some completely fictional Alternate NBA Awards for the 2023-24 NBA season (22:34). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout rg-help.com to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons runs through some NBA and NFL topics, including three NBA teams in trouble, the Jets, and the Stefon Diggs trade, before sharing his NFL WR mini-pyramid with Steve Ceruti (2:24). Then, Bill is joined by Sean Fennessey and Howard Beck to do a Knicks check-in after hearing the news that Julius Randle's injury will keep him out for the rest of the season (37:12). Finally, Howard and Bill hit some other NBA topics, including the volatile Suns, Nikola Jokic's next MVP, NBA awards ideas, and more (1:08:27). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Howard Beck, Sean Fennessey, and Steve Ceruti Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by ESPN's Mina Kimes to compare and contrast QB draft prospects Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye. They also discuss clear no. 1 pick Caleb Williams, hopeless 2024-25 NFL teams, the new NFL kickoff rules, March Madness, and more (2:05). Then, Bill talks with David Shoemaker and Ariel Helwani about WrestleMania 40, WWE's resurgence, the Rock's shocking heel turn, Cody Rhodes's intrigue, 40 years of WrestleMania, and more (1:04:41). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Mina Kimes, David Shoemaker, and Ariel Helwani Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Knicks-Thunder, Timberwolves-Bulls, Rockets-Mavericks, and Spurs-Warriors (1:31). Then they play a game of "What did we learn this season?" that covers Jaylen Brown, Victor Wembanyama, Donovan Mitchell, the Suns, the Thunder, and much more (26:27). Finally, they dig into the Timberwolves sale debacle, rank the worst NBA owners of the past 30 years, and discuss some March Madness topics (1:15:57) before closing the show. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons shares his thoughts on the Minnesota Timberwolves sale falling through (2:00). Then, Bill is joined by director-producer Jason Hehir to discuss how the medium of sports documentaries has evolved over the 21st century (14:46) before diving into some of Jason's films, including 'The Fab Five' (31:06), the lost Sacramento Kings documentary, 'Down in the Valley' (51:46), 'Andre the Giant' (1:00:57), and 'The Last Dance' (1:13:45). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Jason Hehir Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Raheem Palmer to discuss Lakers-Bucks and Pelicans-Thunder, before giving their instant reactions to the newly released NFL win totals for the 2024-25 season (1:31). Next, Bill is joined by Van Lathan to discuss QB prospect Jayden Daniels and how he stacks up against the other top QBs in this draft class (28:18). They also talk about NBA legends (55:10), the spotlight on Iowa women's basketball (1:10:51), gambling scandals, new NFL rules, Apple TV's 'Dynasty' documentary, and more (1:26:54). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Van Lathan and Raheem Palmer Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Sponsored by Empower. Not an endorsement or statement of satisfaction by a client. Visit empower.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the Houston Rockets climbing the ranks in the Western Conference (1:35), the Warriors' down year, and Western Conference teams with the brightest futures (21:22). Then, they talk through some Clippers confusion and whether they're ready to believe in the Bucks (48:18), before drafting the best NBA defenders (1:09:22), wondering if the Nets are in the worst spot in the league (1:27:16), and more. Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Steve Ceruti to take a serious look at the Magic after handling the Pelicans (2:41). Then, Bill and Ceruti are joined by Tate Frazier to talk through another disappointing tournament exit for John Calipari and Kentucky (21:53). Finally, Bill talks with Austin Rivers about Anthony Edwards becoming the face of young American NBA players, scariest second-tier Western Conference playoff teams, their thoughts on Kevin Durant, the rudderless 76ers, and more (41:35). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Austin Rivers, Steve Ceruti, and Tate Frazier Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons runs through six sports topics, including playoff hopes for Lakers and Warriors, the Patriots' poor spending habits, the uncertain future of NFL Network's ‘GMFB,’ all-time in-game dunkers, and more (1:58). Then Bill is joined by Jason Goff to discuss the Bears trading QB Justin Fields to the Steelers, a Bears QB deep-dive, Chicago preparing for Caleb Williams, and more (29:02). Finally, Bill talks with Bleacher Report cofounder Dave Finocchio about starting BR in the mid-2000s, competing with sites like Vice, BuzzFeed, and SB Nation, his newest platform The Cool Down, and the differences between building a media company 20 years ago versus today (1:02:48). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Jason Goff and Dave Finocchio Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Sponsored by Empower. Not an endorsement or statement of satisfaction by a client. Visit empower.com for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss Kyrie Irving's ridiculous game-winner vs. the Nuggets, concerning Suns stats, and the new officiating trends (2:38) before talking about Tyrese Haliburton's post-injury play, Pelicans optimism, and All-NBA ballots (44:28). Finally, they close the show with some NFL draft talk, where they try to make sense of the 2024 QB prospects (1:30:20). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Joe House and Wosny Lambre for the third annual NBA Worst Contracts Draft. One by one, they draft the worst NBA contracts in 2024. Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Wosny Lambre and Joe House Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Sheil Kapadia to discuss the beginning of NFL free agency, including the Eagles signing Saquon Barkley (2:06), Kirk Cousins's big deal with the Falcons, Russell Wilson to the Steelers, the Vikings picking up Sam Darnold, QB draft projections, AFC East speculation, possible Commanders optimism, and more (24:26). Then Bill talks to three-time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman about watching football post-retirement, Apple's docuseries 'Dynasty,' Bill Belichick stories, developing a connection with Tom Brady, Julian's favorite current QBs and WRs, Rob Gronkowski's legacy, new Patriots HC Jerod Mayo, and more (57:55). Host: Bill Simmons Guests: Julian Edelman and Sheil Kapadia Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Ryen Russillo to discuss the noticeable shift in NBA officiating since the All-Star break, and which teams could benefit or suffer from increased physicality on the floor (2:30), Nuggets vs. Celtics, and some potential fatal flaws in the title contenders, including the Cavaliers, Suns, Thunder, Bucks, and more (19:34). Then, they compare the talent in the NBA from 2004 to 2024, and check in with some of the bottom-tier NBA teams (44:58). Finally, they discuss LeBron's next deal before touching on some NFL news, including the end of the Mac Jones era in New England, and the buzz about Russell Wilson going to the Steelers (1:23:04). Host: Bill Simmons Guest: Ryen Russillo Producer: Kyle Crichton The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices