Starting Five

The five sports topics that will be discussed at water coolers across America

1. The Night Before NBA Christmas

The Scoop: 'Twas the eve of NBA battles, and all through the gym, Not a player was idle, each thinking “I’m him.”

In Bucks versus Knicks, a clash on the floor, with crossovers and dunks, excitement galore.

Warriors face Nuggets, a West showdown so bright, three-pointers and blocks, a fierce basketball fight.

Celtics and Lakers, a classic, no doubt, with history and rivalry, emotions throughout.

76ers and Heat, a matchup so hot, fast breaks and defense, a thrilling onslaught.

Mavericks and Suns, the last in the queue, a duel of talents, with skills to pursue.

The arenas are buzzing, fans filled with glee, for these epic matchups, a hoops jubilee.

As the games unfolded, with cheers and delight, Happy Hoops to All, and to All a Good Night!

2. Sharpshooter Ja Morant is Back with a Bang

The Scoop: Morant was locked and loaded Tuesday night, as he helped the Grizzlies erase a 24 point deficit to defeat the Pelicans. After a lengthy suspension for brandishing a firearm on Instagram Live, Morant played in his first NBA game of the season. He unloaded the clip, scoring 34 points to bring the game to a defining moment.

When the team needed a steady hand to deliver a final shot, all eyes turned to Ja, who proved his expert marksmanship, landing a bullseye at the buzzer. It was an impressive performance, exciting Memphis fans for what the team can do this season with the safety off. 

Conversation Starter: Should players with criminal offenses be celebrated, or should we as fans separate the player from his life away from the sport?

3. Anthony Edwards Responds to Abortion Allegations

The Scoop: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards issued a response after screenshots surfaced where he is allegedly pressuring an Instagram model (DreamPaige) to get an abortion against her wishes. The Instagram model posted proof of Edwards paying $100k to get the abortion as well as messages showing the dialogue increasingly escalating.

Edwards issued an apology, saying, “I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man. All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time.”

Edwards’s future with the Timberwolves is uncertain at this time.

Conversation Starter: Should the NBA and/or teams discipline players for personal matters?

4. College Football Early Signing Period

The Scoop: College Football Signing Day. Or, in the eyes of fans who live and die based on the college decisions of 17-year-olds: the most important day of the year. College football has two signing periods, an early signing day (which fell on Wednesday this year), and a late signing period in January. As expected, the rich got richer, with Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State leading the way and with major recruiting powerhouses Oregon and Miami rounding out the top 5.

Most players commit to their schools before signing day, but some waiver at the last moment. Ohio State survived a major scare and held onto #1 player in the country, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Georgia was not so fortunate, losing out on top-ranked quarterback and poet Dylan Raiola who flipped to Nebraska. For the full team rankings, see here. 

Conversation Starter: Do you think the amount of attention placed on high school athletes is healthy?

5. Tommy DeVito Puts the Disagreement Behind Him and Shows Up to the Pizzeria

The Scoop: Tommy DeVito is an overnight sensation, as his Italian upbringing and success for the Giants have made him a star in the New York / New Jersey metro area. As such, his appearance fee rightfully has gone up. His mafioso (or agent, probably), Sean Stellato, has doubled his fee for events, much to the chagrin of local business owners. He was able to put that all behind them and do the gig.

Conversation Starter: Has Tommy DeVito’s agent been a net positive or net negative in terms of his publicity?

“Sports” Moments of the Week

One thing we love about sports is the funny moments they deliver, here are some rapid fire viral memes, videos, and posts for your enjoyment!

“Daddy” Luka is the GOAT

Let’s celebrate Ja’s big day in a way he can understand

Will the Pistons ever win another game? You can bet on it!

Clean up in row 47

This is quite the injury list

Did Philly sacrifice the Eagles to resurrect the Flyers?

Game on the line, penalty kick shootout, this is just embarrassing

If football doesn’t work out for Dylan Raiola, he’s got poetry to fall back on

What We’re Watching this Week

If you're at a bar, they might be showing these games. Here's what you should know:

NFL

See here for live simulation estimating the probability of each team’s path to the playoff.

Thursday Night Football - New Orleans Saints (7-7) vs LA Rams (7-7): Both teams have struggled to find consistent quarterback play, but the Rams have had a number of players coming off injury in the past few weeks and seem to be surging. With NFC Playoff spots up for grabs, this could be a massive game with huge implications for the rest of the season.

Saturday Football: NFL on Saturdays is here to stay, and with two games between teams fighting for the playoffs and teams fighting to keep their season respectable. The Bengals (8-6) and the Steelers (7-7) face off in one of the Midwest’s fiercest rivalries, and the Bills (8-6) and the Chargers (5-8) looking to showcase what offenses without their star quarterbacks can do. 

Christmas Eve Football: As Santa gears up for his 24 hour delivery service, the NFL is providing around-the-clock entertainment as well. Top games include Cowboys vs Dolphins, Vikings vs Lions, and Jaguars vs Falcons, all with playoff hopes in the balance.  

NBA

Christmas Day Basketball: A major tradition in NBA hoops are games on Christmas, and we’re set to see blockbuster matchups between the biggest stars. Giannis, Jokic, LeBron, Tatum, and Luka all will be on display as families around America enjoy a Christmas meal and presents from Santa.

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Until next week,

The Fastbreakk