The NBA’s slow start continues, with some exceptions. Also: Penguins-Capitals delivered an NHL season high, and NASCAR’s Xfinity Series declined at Texas.
Some Exceptions, But NBA’s Slow Start Continues
Wednesday’s Timberwolves-Lakers NBA regular season game delivered a 1.4 rating and 2.21 million viewers on ESPN, down a tick in ratings but up a fraction of a percent in viewership from last year (T’Wolves-Warriors: 1.5, 2.20M), and up 49% and 52% respectively from 2016 (Rockets-Spurs: 0.9, 1.45M).
The Lakers’ narrow win was the most-watched NBA game of the past week, and the sixth-most watched of the season (23 total windows). The Lakers have played in three of the top six.
Earlier in the night, Sixers-Pacers had a 1.0 (-41%) and 1.52 million (-44%). Last year’s comparable window was Lakers-Celtics (1.7, 2.70M).
On Thursday, TNT drew 1.57 million viewers for Bucks-Warriors (+23%) and 1.12 million for Rockets-Thunder (-43%). Ratings were not immediately available. Going back to last Friday, ESPN drew a 1.3 (-11%) and 1.98 million (-17%) for T’Wolves-Warriors and a 0.9 (-23%) and 1.36 million (-23%) for Thunder-Wizards.
Of the 22 NBA windows on ESPN and TNT that can be compared to last year, 16 have declined.
Season-High For Pens-Caps
Penguins-Capitals scored a 0.38 rating and 642,000 viewers on NBCSN’s Wednesday Night Hockey, marking the most-watched game of the season. The previous high was set by Bruins-Capitals on opening night (0.38, 633K). The Capitals’ win increased 54% from last year (Bruins-Rangers: 417K) and 24% from 2016 (Blackhawks-Blues: 516K).
Later in the night, Predators-Avalanche drew 222,000 (+10%).
NASCAR Xfinity Down at Texas
Last Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Texas earned a 0.51 rating and 791,000 viewers on NBCSN, flat in ratings and down 7% in viewership from last year (0.5, 849K), and down 44% and 42% respectively from 2016 (0.9, 1.37M).
[Numbers from Nielsen via Programming Insider 11.5, 11.8, ShowBuzz Daily 11.6, 11.9]
