Ball Girl #108: Your Friday Sports Insider

In case you didn’t get the memo: Ball Girl is back!

Your sports bestie is back, three times a week in your inbox with all the tea. And soon, even more entertainment on TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify (hard launch incoming shortly). TLDR, we’re becoming the Kardashians of sports news: we’re freakin’ everywhere. Whether you're here for the touchdowns, the drama, or just to have something new to talk about at the water cooler, we got you.

🏈 NFL: Thursday Night Frost and Sibling Rivalry

TNF Recap: Unwavering Faith. Ultimate Belief.
The Steelers, currently #1 in the AFC East, rolled into this game sipping their pumpkin spice lattes without a care in the world. They were not ready for the flurry of chaos that was about to hit them. Literally. The field? A snow globe. The Steelers? Frozen. The Browns? Coming in hot like pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. Let's talk about Browns’ QB Jameis Winston, somehow slinging clutch throws through the snow cover. But the Browns' defense really saved the day, keeping the Steelers to just 3 points in the first half. The Steelers tried to make a comeback, but by the time they launched that last Hail Mary, it was like trying to throw a snowball through a blizzard. Browns fans don’t have much to cheer for this season (I mean, they’re still 3-8), but they will always have this win.

Game to Watch: The HarBowl
This Sunday, two AFC powerhouses are going head-to-head, both sitting pretty with 7 wins on the season. The Chargers are notorious for shutting down the running game. The Ravens have one of the most talented offenses in the league. But it doesn’t get more competitive than sibling rivalry: this game will be the third time that head coaches, and brothers, Jim and John Harbaugh, face off against each other. This is Jim’s first season back in the NFL after 8 seasons coaching Michigan, culminating in a 15-0 season and a national championship. Meanwhile, John has been leading the Baltimore Ravens up the ranks since 2008. So this game is basically your Thanksgiving dinner, complete with drama and more than a little familial tension, but with a lot more touchdowns.

🏀 NBA: Drama, Injuries, and Cup Confusion

Timeout… What Even Is the NBA Cup?
Imagine if the NBA added a dating show twist to the regular season. That’s the NBA Cup. It’s an in-season tournament where group-stage games double as regular-season matchups. The best teams advance to a knockout round, ending in a final four showdown in Vegas. The winners get cash (like they need it) and bragging rights. Think of it as a summer fling for basketball — it’s not the main event, but it’s fun while it lasts.

Mavericks vs. Nuggets: Who Will Limp to Victory?
Dallas (2-1 in Group C) and Denver (2-1) are fighting for their Cup lives, with both teams hobbling to the finish line. Luka Doncic is out (wrist injury), so Kyrie Irving — aka the chaotic ex we can’t quit — has to drop another 40+ points to keep the Mavs alive. Denver’s MVP, Nikola Jokic, might return after three games out. Stakes? Sky-high. Loser is done. Winner gets to dream a little longer.

Kings vs. Clippers: Injury Apocalypse
The Kings are missing Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, but De’Aaron Fox is out here giving big “last guy at the office happy hour” energy, doing everything himself. Meanwhile, James Harden leads a Clippers team trying to hold it together with duct tape and vibes. A win keeps one of these teams alive in the NBA Cup. A loss? They’ll be in the same group chat as us, pretending they don’t care about getting dumped.

🎓🏈 College Football: Big Games, Big Stakes, Bigger Drama

Indiana vs. Ohio State: The Midwestern Royal Rumble
Indiana (10-0) is that overachieving coworker who’s killing it but hasn’t been tested under real pressure yet. That pressure? Ohio State (9-1), led by QB Will Howard and WR Emeka Egbuka, who are as consistent as your mom’s Sunday lasagna. Indiana’s defense, ranked 10th in turnover margin, will have to channel Emily in Paris Season 3-level resourcefulness to pull off an upset. A win cements Indiana as legit CFP contenders, AND knocks ; for Ohio State, it’s about proving they still own the Big Ten.

Notre Dame vs. Army: Historic Stakes in the Bronx
Army (9-0) is hoping to crash Notre Dame’s (9-1) eight-game win streak this weekend. Notre Dame’s offense is solid and balanced, but Army plays disciplined football like they’re on a first date trying to impress. A win would boost Army’s playoff hopes, while Notre Dame wants to stay in the CFP conversation. This game is so important that it’s even at Yankee Stadium — because apparently, football isn’t stressful enough without mixing it with New York traffic.

🏒 NHL: Ice Battles and Teams Heating Up

Avalanche vs. Panthers: NHL Royalty Face Off
The Colorado Avalanche (11-9) and Florida Panthers (12-7) square off this weekend in a clash of two NHL powerhouse teams. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are in top form, while Florida’s defense and goaltending have been giving main-character energy all season. Florida needs this win to break a three-game losing streak, while Colorado looks to keep improving on a somewhat lackluster season.

💋 Gossip Corner: Athletes, Egos, and Marketing Madness

Joel Embiid’s Real Housewives Moment
The 76ers are 2-12, and Joel Embiid is DONE with the drama. After the details of a team meeting were leaked, revealing Tyrese Maxey called him out for tardiness, Embiid labeled the snitch a “piece of s--t.” Meanwhile, Paul George’s injury leaves the team in shambles, and head coach Nick Nurse is being called too soft. It’s like an episode of Nathan for You — embarrassing and impossible to look away from. Their next game against the Nets is basically their last shot at redemption.

Jake Paul is Shaking Up the Boxing World
Jake Paul has no business being this relevant, yet here we are. Both Dave Portnoy and Mike Tyson have praised him for his genius marketing, calling his fights “the greatest con job ever.” Love him or hate him, Jake is turning boxing into an influencer house party, where the hype is more important than the punches.

There you have it — sports for the chic and chaotic. Whether you’re here for the games or the gossip, you’re officially ready for your group brunch this weekend. 😉