EPISODE · Dec 12, 2025 · 51 MIN
Weekend Rundown: NBA Surprises, Packers’ Surge & Army–Navy Tradition
from SportsIQ with Larry Smith · host Rise Above Productions & Revision Sound
The weekend edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers a wide-ranging and thoughtful look across the sports landscape, from stunning NFL comebacks and NBA storylines to one of the most sacred traditions in college football.The show opens with headlines, including a dramatic Falcons rally over the Buccaneers on throwback night, Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance, and Iowa State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams handing tough losses to rival Iowa. Larry also previews a powerful upcoming interview with former CNN Sports colleague Matt Morrison, whose book honors his late daughter’s inspiring life.In the NBA spotlight, Chris Bengel (PrizePicks) joins the show to break down early-season surprises and concerns. The conversation spans Cooper Flagg’s adjustment to the NBA, the Thunder’s historic start, the Warriors’ crossroads, Lakers defensive struggles, Celtics life without Jayson Tatum, and which teams have exceeded — or fallen short of — expectations so far.The NFL takes center stage next as Packers beat writer Max Dible (Heavy.com) analyzes Green Bay’s late-season surge. Topics include Christian Watson’s return, Jordan Love’s growth, offensive line concerns, defensive injuries, Micah Parsons’ impact, and whether the Packers have the pieces to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.Finally, longtime Capital Gazette reporter Bill Wagner brings unmatched insight into the 126th Army–Navy Game. From unforgettable past matchups and iconic uniforms to standout players and what makes this rivalry the “last vestige of purity” in college football, Wagner explains why Army–Navy remains one of sports’ most meaningful events.The episode wraps with college basketball previews, Heisman Trophy discussion, and a Moment of Awe honoring Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable return to World Cup skiing at age 41.Falcons’ historic comeback vs. BuccaneersNikola Jokić’s road dominance & NBA MVP contextChris Bengel on Thunder dominance, Cooper Flagg, Lakers defense, Celtics outlookPackers’ playoff chances with Jordan Love and Christian WatsonOffensive line and defensive injury concerns in Green BayArmy–Navy Game traditions, history, and key playersCollege basketball surprises (Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas Tech)Lindsey Vonn’s comeback win at age 41🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📺 Watch daily SportsIQ shorts for highlights and moments of awe
What this episode covers
The weekend edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith delivers a wide-ranging and thoughtful look across the sports landscape, from stunning NFL comebacks and NBA storylines to one of the most sacred traditions in college football.The show opens with headlines, including a dramatic Falcons rally over the Buccaneers on throwback night, Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance, and Iowa State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams handing tough losses to rival Iowa. Larry also previews a powerful upcoming interview with former CNN Sports colleague Matt Morrison, whose book honors his late daughter’s inspiring life.In the NBA spotlight, Chris Bengel (PrizePicks) joins the show to break down early-season surprises and concerns. The conversation spans Cooper Flagg’s adjustment to the NBA, the Thunder’s historic start, the Warriors’ crossroads, Lakers defensive struggles, Celtics life without Jayson Tatum, and which teams have exceeded — or fallen short of — expectations so far.The NFL takes center stage next as Packers beat writer Max Dible (Heavy.com) analyzes Green Bay’s late-season surge. Topics include Christian Watson’s return, Jordan Love’s growth, offensive line concerns, defensive injuries, Micah Parsons’ impact, and whether the Packers have the pieces to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.Finally, longtime Capital Gazette reporter Bill Wagner brings unmatched insight into the 126th Army–Navy Game. From unforgettable past matchups and iconic uniforms to standout players and what makes this rivalry the “last vestige of purity” in college football, Wagner explains why Army–Navy remains one of sports’ most meaningful events.The episode wraps with college basketball previews, Heisman Trophy discussion, and a Moment of Awe honoring Lindsey Vonn’s remarkable return to World Cup skiing at age 41.Falcons’ historic comeback vs. BuccaneersNikola Jokić’s road dominance & NBA MVP contextChris Bengel on Thunder dominance, Cooper Flagg, Lakers defense, Celtics outlookPackers’ playoff chances with Jordan Love and Christian WatsonOffensive line and defensive injury concerns in Green BayArmy–Navy Game traditions, history, and key playersCollege basketball surprises (Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas Tech)Lindsey Vonn’s comeback win at age 41🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube📺 Watch daily SportsIQ shorts for highlights and moments of awe
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Weekend Rundown: NBA Surprises, Packers’ Surge & Army–Navy Tradition
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