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
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Part 1: Kyrie Trade Reactions + Deadline Predictions With Ryen Russillo and Joe House
The 2023 NBA Fake Trade Draft With Kevin O’Connor, Rob Mahoney, and Chris Ryan
Mahomes Survives, Philly Cruises, a Bad Ref Weekend, Plus the Super Bowl Line With Cousin Sal
A Championship Weekend Mega-Preview, Plus a Boston Sports Check-in | With Peter Schrager, Benjamin Solak, and Bill's Dad
The Still-Young Grizzlies, Best NBA Futures Bets, and 2023’s Oscar Noms
A Cowboys Collapse, Burrow’s Big Day, Buffalo’s Big Mistake, and a Baby Doll Cameo With Cousin Sal
Round 2 NFL Playoffs Preview With Peter Schrager and Benjamin Solak
NBA No-Man’s-Land, Brady’s Bleak Future, and a Sit Down with WWE CEO Nick Khan | With Justin Termine, Nora Princiotti and Steven Ruiz
Here Come the Giants, There Go the Chargers, Wild-Card Winners and Divisional Round Lines With Cousin Sal
The Round 1 Mega-Playoff Preview (and UFC/WWE talk) With Ariel Helwani, Benjamin Solak, Raheem Palmer and Danny Heifetz
NBA All-Star Arguments: The East With Zach Lowe
Bye-Bye Rodgers, Tua and Lamar in Limbo, Dak vs. Brady, a Title Sleeper, and Playoff Lines with Cousin Sal
The Curious Clippers and More NBA Head-Scratchers With Rob Mahoney. Plus, a Complicated Week 18 in the NFL With Peter Schrager.
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Teetering Tua, Delightful Danny Dimes, Zombie Brady, Washed Russ, and a Confusing Week 17 Ahead With Cousin Sal
The Dolphins’ Sleeper Potential, New York Rivalries, Sunday Ticket’s Future, and Red-Hot Million-Dollar Picks | With Peter Schrager, John Jastremski, and Bryan Curtis
A Suns Sale, Pivot Trade NBA Teams, and the Future of Belichick and Kraft | With Rob Mahoney and Seth Wickersham
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