×
Why the NBA Is Going To Dominate the NFL on Christmas Day Again | Deadspin.com

Why the NBA Is Going To Dominate the NFL on Christmas Day Again | Deadspin.com

Sports news

Last season, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James called out the NFL.

Despite James being a lifelong football fan and former high school football star, arguably the greatest player of all time knows that Christmas Day belongs to the NBA.

Over the last few seasons, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has tried to play the role of the Grinch by stealing away Christmas for football.

Last season, the football matchups underwhelmed compared to basketball’s slate, leading to that viral callout from James. This season, we are in store for the same thing.

It has to be tough to be a schedule maker. This is NFL Week 17, and the league has dealt with a plethora of injuries and surprises. But Netflix is serving up a stinker. Let’s take a look.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

The first matchup of the day will feature Dak Prescott vs. Josh Johnson, as both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariotta are sidelined due to injuries.

The Cowboys will be missing the playoffs due to their incompetent defense. The Commanders only have four wins after Daniels struggled to stay healthy all season.

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings

The second game on Christmas will at least be exciting if you are in the fantasy football championship. But neither of these teams are heading to the postseason, either.

Detroit has been one of the league’s biggest disappointments after losing both coordinators this offseason. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been a dumpster fire because of J.J. McCarthy, who is injured again. Max Brosmer will get the start here. Gross.

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs didn’t even practice on Tuesday.

Even with Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs were a brutal watch all season. Without him, there’s no reason to tune in. Oh yeah, backup quarterback Gardner Minshew suffered an injury during his first start with the Chiefs, causing some guy named Chris Oladokun to get the start.

Enjoy some time with your family instead of this matchup.

On the flip side, NBA commissioner Adam Silver should get to flex a little bit.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks will get the slate of hoops started at noon, two teams that are expected to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals.

After that, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder will get their crack against Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs, who got the best of them on Tuesday night. The floor will be flooded with premium young talent in this matchup.

Cooper Flagg’s Dallas Mavericks will face off against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors, a mainstay on Christmas. After that, Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets will duel Luka Doncic, LeBron James and the Lakers.

The evening wraps up with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at 10:30 p.m. Eastern, arguably the worst matchup on the slate, but light years ahead of anything the NFL has going on.

Source link
#NBA #Dominate #NFL #Christmas #Day #Deadspin.com

Related Posts

Deadspin | Doc Rivers steps down as head coach of Bucks Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers looks on in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Doc Rivers officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday after two-plus seasons. The Bucks’ finished 32-50 with Sunday’s season-ending 126-106 loss at Philadelphia. It marked their worst record since 2013-14 and the first time they missed the playoffs since 2015-16. “I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege,” said Rivers, 64, who played college basketball in the city at Marquette from 1980-83. “I am disappointed things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart.” Rivers had one year remaining on his million contract, and the Bucks reportedly will pay the remainder of that contract. The club and Rivers and discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, per reports. “It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” said owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan in a statement. “In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee. Milwaukee compiled a record of 97-103 since Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the previous two campaigns under Rivers. There was strife between the club and star Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. Antetokounmpo only played in 36 games in 2025-26 but insisted he was healthy enough to compete in games down the stretch of the campaign. Rivers will be inducted as a coach into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August. He just completed his 27th year on an NBA bench and has a record of 1,194-866. Rivers is sixth in victories on the all-time list and guided the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship. The 13-year NBA guard started his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in the 1999-2000 season. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in that first season, posting a 41-41 record. Rivers coached in Orlando until 2004, before jumping to the Celtics in the 2004-05 season. His tenure in Boston was the longest at nine years (2004-13) and was followed by stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23) and Bucks (2024-26). The Chicago native began his NBA career in Atlanta and played for the Hawks from 1983-91. He also competed for the Clippers (1991-92), New York Knicks (1992-94) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-96). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Doc #Rivers #steps #coach #BucksMar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers looks on in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Doc Rivers officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday after two-plus seasons.

The Bucks’ finished 32-50 with Sunday’s season-ending 126-106 loss at Philadelphia. It marked their worst record since 2013-14 and the first time they missed the playoffs since 2015-16.

“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege,” said Rivers, 64, who played college basketball in the city at Marquette from 1980-83.

“I am disappointed things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart.”

Rivers had one year remaining on his $40 million contract, and the Bucks reportedly will pay the remainder of that contract. The club and Rivers and discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, per reports.

“It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” said owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan in a statement. “In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee.


Milwaukee compiled a record of 97-103 since Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the previous two campaigns under Rivers.

There was strife between the club and star Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. Antetokounmpo only played in 36 games in 2025-26 but insisted he was healthy enough to compete in games down the stretch of the campaign.

Rivers will be inducted as a coach into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August. He just completed his 27th year on an NBA bench and has a record of 1,194-866. Rivers is sixth in victories on the all-time list and guided the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship.

The 13-year NBA guard started his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in the 1999-2000 season. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in that first season, posting a 41-41 record.

Rivers coached in Orlando until 2004, before jumping to the Celtics in the 2004-05 season. His tenure in Boston was the longest at nine years (2004-13) and was followed by stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23) and Bucks (2024-26).

The Chicago native began his NBA career in Atlanta and played for the Hawks from 1983-91. He also competed for the Clippers (1991-92), New York Knicks (1992-94) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-96).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Doc #Rivers #steps #coach #Bucks">Deadspin | Doc Rivers steps down as head coach of Bucks Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers looks on in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images Doc Rivers officially stepped down as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday after two-plus seasons. The Bucks’ finished 32-50 with Sunday’s season-ending 126-106 loss at Philadelphia. It marked their worst record since 2013-14 and the first time they missed the playoffs since 2015-16. “I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee. Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege,” said Rivers, 64, who played college basketball in the city at Marquette from 1980-83. “I am disappointed things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community. Milwaukee will always mean a lot to me, and this chapter will hold a special place in my heart.” Rivers had one year remaining on his million contract, and the Bucks reportedly will pay the remainder of that contract. The club and Rivers and discussing a possible move to the front office for 2026-27, per reports. “It has been an honor to have Doc as our coach and as a leader in our organization and community,” said owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan in a statement. “In addition to his impact on the court, we’re thankful for Doc’s class and professionalism during his tenure in Milwaukee. Milwaukee compiled a record of 97-103 since Rivers replaced Adrian Griffin in January 2024. The Bucks lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the previous two campaigns under Rivers. There was strife between the club and star Giannis Antetokounmpo this season. Antetokounmpo only played in 36 games in 2025-26 but insisted he was healthy enough to compete in games down the stretch of the campaign. Rivers will be inducted as a coach into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in August. He just completed his 27th year on an NBA bench and has a record of 1,194-866. Rivers is sixth in victories on the all-time list and guided the 2007-08 Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship. The 13-year NBA guard started his coaching career with the Orlando Magic in the 1999-2000 season. He earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in that first season, posting a 41-41 record. Rivers coached in Orlando until 2004, before jumping to the Celtics in the 2004-05 season. His tenure in Boston was the longest at nine years (2004-13) and was followed by stints with the Los Angeles Clippers (2013-20), Philadelphia 76ers (2020-23) and Bucks (2024-26). The Chicago native began his NBA career in Atlanta and played for the Hawks from 1983-91. He also competed for the Clippers (1991-92), New York Knicks (1992-94) and San Antonio Spurs (1994-96). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Doc #Rivers #steps #coach #Bucks

Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen ​will delay his return to ‌competition until at least ​July following ⁠Achilles surgery, manager Daniel Wessfeldt said on Monday.

The Norwegian ‌middle-distance runner underwent a procedure in February ‌to address a ‌chronic ⁠tendon issue. While ⁠the 25-year-old has resumed light training, he will skip ​the Diamond ‌League events early in the year to focus on full recovery.

“It depends ‌on how training goes ​through April and May,” Wessfeldt told ⁠Norwegian media. “If he regains fitness quickly, competing in ‌the second half of the season remains the goal.”

The decision follows Ingebrigtsen’s absence for most of the ‌2025 season. After failing to ​reach the 1,500m semifinal and finishing 10th ⁠in the 5,000m at ⁠the Tokyo World Championships in September, he ‌has not raced officially.

Published on Apr 13, 2026

#Ingebrigtsen #targets #lateseason #comeback #injury #setbacks">Ingebrigtsen targets late-season comeback after injury setbacks  Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen ​will delay his return to ‌competition until at least ​July following ⁠Achilles surgery, manager Daniel Wessfeldt said on Monday.The Norwegian ‌middle-distance runner underwent a procedure in February ‌to address a ‌chronic ⁠tendon issue. While ⁠the 25-year-old has resumed light training, he will skip ​the Diamond ‌League events early in the year to focus on full recovery.“It depends ‌on how training goes ​through April and May,” Wessfeldt told ⁠Norwegian media. “If he regains fitness quickly, competing in ‌the second half of the season remains the goal.”The decision follows Ingebrigtsen’s absence for most of the ‌2025 season. After failing to ​reach the 1,500m semifinal and finishing 10th ⁠in the 5,000m at ⁠the Tokyo World Championships in September, he ‌has not raced officially.Published on Apr 13, 2026 #Ingebrigtsen #targets #lateseason #comeback #injury #setbacks

Deadspin | Warriors’ Stephen Curry on minutes restriction for play-in game Apr 10, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry will be on a minutes restriction for the Golden State Warriors’ play-in game against the host Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The 12-time All-Star point guard has played no more than 29 minutes in any of his four games since returning from a 27-game absence with a right knee injury. Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Sunday that Curry will remain under a restriction in the win-or-go-home contest at Inglewood, Calif. Insiders estimated his maximum court time would be about 32 minutes. Curry, 38, played 29 minutes in Sunday’s 115-110 road loss to the Clippers in the regular-season finale. He scored 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting with six rebounds and three assists. The 10th-seeded Warriors (37-45) are the only one of the eight play-in teams to finish the season with a losing record. They need to defeat the Clippers in the play-in tournament and then beat the winner between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers to secure the No. 8 seed for the NBA Playoffs. Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 43 games (41 starts) this season, the two-time league MVP’s 17th campaign with Golden State. The league announced on Monday that Curry had the NBA’s top-selling jersey during the 2025-26 regular season, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Warriors #Stephen #Curry #minutes #restriction #playin #gameApr 10, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry will be on a minutes restriction for the Golden State Warriors’ play-in game against the host Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.

The 12-time All-Star point guard has played no more than 29 minutes in any of his four games since returning from a 27-game absence with a right knee injury.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Sunday that Curry will remain under a restriction in the win-or-go-home contest at Inglewood, Calif. Insiders estimated his maximum court time would be about 32 minutes.


Curry, 38, played 29 minutes in Sunday’s 115-110 road loss to the Clippers in the regular-season finale. He scored 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting with six rebounds and three assists.

The 10th-seeded Warriors (37-45) are the only one of the eight play-in teams to finish the season with a losing record. They need to defeat the Clippers in the play-in tournament and then beat the winner between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers to secure the No. 8 seed for the NBA Playoffs.

Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 43 games (41 starts) this season, the two-time league MVP’s 17th campaign with Golden State.

The league announced on Monday that Curry had the NBA’s top-selling jersey during the 2025-26 regular season, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Warriors #Stephen #Curry #minutes #restriction #playin #game">Deadspin | Warriors’ Stephen Curry on minutes restriction for play-in game Apr 10, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry will be on a minutes restriction for the Golden State Warriors’ play-in game against the host Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. The 12-time All-Star point guard has played no more than 29 minutes in any of his four games since returning from a 27-game absence with a right knee injury. Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Sunday that Curry will remain under a restriction in the win-or-go-home contest at Inglewood, Calif. Insiders estimated his maximum court time would be about 32 minutes. Curry, 38, played 29 minutes in Sunday’s 115-110 road loss to the Clippers in the regular-season finale. He scored 24 points on 7-of-14 shooting with six rebounds and three assists. The 10th-seeded Warriors (37-45) are the only one of the eight play-in teams to finish the season with a losing record. They need to defeat the Clippers in the play-in tournament and then beat the winner between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers to secure the No. 8 seed for the NBA Playoffs. Curry averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 43 games (41 starts) this season, the two-time league MVP’s 17th campaign with Golden State. The league announced on Monday that Curry had the NBA’s top-selling jersey during the 2025-26 regular season, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic and the New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Warriors #Stephen #Curry #minutes #restriction #playin #game

Post Comment