The GIST: Thank goodness the NBA is back in action, because the Celtics season opener on Wednesday is the perfect distraction from the Patriots missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. *whispers* We miss you, Tom.

The GIST: The Jets actually won a game: it’s a holiday miracle! The Giants, however, are still writing letters to Santa asking for a playoff spot after yesterday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns.

The GIST: What better way to tuck into the winter break (because let’s face it, we’re all mentally checking out for the next two weeks, right?) than with some NBA action.

The GIST: With USC and UCLA football both concluding their seasons in disappointing fashion, and the Rams somehow giving the NY Jets their first win of the season, we’re so ready for NBA basketball.

The GIST: Remember when Kate Hudson did everything she could to get Matthew McConaughey to dump her in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days? Looks like NBA superstar James Harden has been taking notes.

The GIST: The Celtics players aren’t messing around. Presenting a unified front, the players released an op-ed in the Boston Globe yesterday asking Governor Baker to reconsider his stance on the police accountability bill.

The GIST: After last week’s win, all eyes are on rookie QB Jalen Hurts for his second start with the Eagles.

The GIST: It was a busy sports weekend in New York: NFL, NBA, and MLB? Oh my!

Bits & Bites: USA

The GIST: An emerging star made her college basketball debut, an all-time wins record is about to be broken and a top-ranked team might’ve literally thrown away their shot at the College Football Playoff (CFP)…what a weekend in college sports.

The GIST: Breaking news: the Chargers won a game! On the college front, USC and UCLA split this weekend’s crosstown rivalry games on the gridiron and the court.

The GIST: With the unseasonably warm weather yesterday, it’s weird to think that college ice hockey is underway with several of our Boston-area teams holding their season openers. Drop the puck!