NBA Highs & Lows: Christmas Ratings, Records & Reality
The Baseline NBA PodcastJan 7, 2026 • 39:00
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Episode Notes
This week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down the highs and lows shaping the NBA right now — from major injuries impacting contenders to historic performances that continue to redefine greatness.
First , as injuries take center stage around the league. Jalen Suggs suffers a Grade 1 MCL contusion and is out indefinitely, while Jonas Valančiūnas is sidelined with a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Combined with Nikola Jokić’s knee injury, the Nuggets’ frontcourt takes a major hit, raising real questions about depth, durability, and timing as the season unfolds.
Highs:
- The 2025 NBA Christmas Day games delivered 15-year viewership highs, with over 47 million U.S. viewers, reinforcing the NBA’s cultural relevance and dominance in marquee moments.
- Russell Westbrook moves into 7th all-time in assists, passing Magic Johnson — a milestone that adds another chapter to his Hall of Fame résumé. We also celebrate basketball greatness at the highest level.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo continues his historic run, recording his 158th career 30/10/5 game, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time and closing in on Oscar Robertson.
- LeBron James adds yet another legendary moment, posting 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, becoming the oldest player ever to score 30+ and surpassing Kareem’s mark for the most points by a 41-year-old. LeBron and Kareem now stand alone as the only players to score 25+ at age 41 — doing it at the exact same age, 41 years and 3 days.
Lows:
- We discuss Draymond Green’s ejection following a controversial non–three-second call and what it says about composure, officiating, and reputation
- Plus, Jaylen Brown’s frustration after missing out on Eastern Conference Player of the Month sparks a deeper conversation on player recognition, narrative vs. metrics, and how awards are truly evaluated. Then we shift to the highs, where the league continues to shine on the biggest stages.
- From injuries and controversy to records, ratings, and royalty, this episode captures the full spectrum of the NBA — where the highs are historic and the lows are unavoidable.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Baseline NBA Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker for real hoops talk, smart analysis, and conversations that go beyond the box score.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.
First , as injuries take center stage around the league. Jalen Suggs suffers a Grade 1 MCL contusion and is out indefinitely, while Jonas Valančiūnas is sidelined with a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Combined with Nikola Jokić’s knee injury, the Nuggets’ frontcourt takes a major hit, raising real questions about depth, durability, and timing as the season unfolds.
Highs:
- The 2025 NBA Christmas Day games delivered 15-year viewership highs, with over 47 million U.S. viewers, reinforcing the NBA’s cultural relevance and dominance in marquee moments.
- Russell Westbrook moves into 7th all-time in assists, passing Magic Johnson — a milestone that adds another chapter to his Hall of Fame résumé. We also celebrate basketball greatness at the highest level.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo continues his historic run, recording his 158th career 30/10/5 game, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time and closing in on Oscar Robertson.
- LeBron James adds yet another legendary moment, posting 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, becoming the oldest player ever to score 30+ and surpassing Kareem’s mark for the most points by a 41-year-old. LeBron and Kareem now stand alone as the only players to score 25+ at age 41 — doing it at the exact same age, 41 years and 3 days.
Lows:
- We discuss Draymond Green’s ejection following a controversial non–three-second call and what it says about composure, officiating, and reputation
- Plus, Jaylen Brown’s frustration after missing out on Eastern Conference Player of the Month sparks a deeper conversation on player recognition, narrative vs. metrics, and how awards are truly evaluated. Then we shift to the highs, where the league continues to shine on the biggest stages.
- From injuries and controversy to records, ratings, and royalty, this episode captures the full spectrum of the NBA — where the highs are historic and the lows are unavoidable.
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Baseline NBA Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker for real hoops talk, smart analysis, and conversations that go beyond the box score.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.
- Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.
- This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit htt
