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For at least three years, an unconfirmed but widely accepted belief has circulated within the NBA that Luka Dončić and Nikola Jokić intend to play together eventually. Though neither player has publicly confirmed this due to contractual constraints, their well-documented friendship and increasing hints about a future partnership lend credibility to the speculation. This context helps explain the Los Angeles Lakers' apparent lack of urgency in the 2025 offseason. Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka openly prioritized targeting the 2027 free agency period, a strategy met with skepticism given LeBron James' limited remaining prime years and Dončić's current superstar availability. However, this aligns with Jokić's impending free agency in 2027. Notably, Denver Nuggets President Josh Kroenke recently acknowledged Jokić might eventually leave the team, and Jokić himself declined a contract extension offer from Denver. While Jokić could still sign an extension in 2026, the Lakers are operating on the widespread rumor of the duo's desire to unite. Pairing Dončić with a 32-year-old Jokić in 2027 may be debatable, but it remains a tangible strategy. A Dončić trade to Denver was never feasible due to the Nuggets' salary cap limitations and lack of trade assets, evidenced by their recent cap-driven moves. Jokić's decision to delay contract talks—officially to maximize future earnings—creates a pathway for a 2027 departure. Kroenke's public admission of this possibility, however remote, underscores its legitimacy. With Jokić's Denver tenure closer to its potential end than its beginning, his choice not to secure his future now leaves the 2027 free agency window strategically significant for teams like the Lakers.
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The Athletic is ranking the top 25 men's college basketball teams from the first 25 years of the 2000s. Selection involved crowd-sourcing and applying five main criteria: Overall record (only one team lost more than five games); KenPom net rating (most teams exceeded the elite threshold of +30, with only two narrowly below); Conference championships (regular season and/or tournament); National championships (acknowledged as a marker of greatness despite the single-elimination format); and Historical relevance (a more subjective measure). The process resulted in seven national champions being excluded and seven non-champions included, with some seasons having multiple teams on the list. The article begins the rankings with the 2019-20 Kansas Jayhawks at #25. Key players included Devon Dotson, Udoka Azubuike, Ochai Agbaji, and Marcus Garrett. Their season ended without an NCAA Tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a KenPom rating of 30.23, they were considered the favorites before the shutdown. The team featured a potent duo in Dotson and Azubuike, plus key role players who later formed the core of Kansas's 2022 championship team. Their three losses were extremely close (two by a combined three points, one to fellow top seed Baylor). While their 3-point shooting was questioned, their championship potential remains unknown. Ranked at #24 is the 2022-23 Purdue Boilermakers. Their top talents were Zach Edey, Braden Smith, and Fletcher Loyer. They reached the national championship game but lost to UConn 75-60. They achieved a KenPom efficiency rating of 30.62.
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Kyrie Irving's history with the Boston Celtics is described as murky, marked by controversial incidents like burning sage in the arena, flipping off fans, and cursing at people after a game. Despite this difficult relationship, there was an initial period of genuine excitement when Irving first joined the Celtics after requesting a trade from Cleveland to escape LeBron James' shadow. On paper, Boston seemed like a great fit, boasting young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, alongside signings Gordon Hayward and Al Horford, suggesting elite team potential. However, Irving's time in Boston was ultimately not a successful fit for various reasons, and the team failed to achieve its desired success. He left via free agency for the Brooklyn Nets two years later, cementing the hatred of Celtics fans towards him. Recently, during a stream, Irving brought on Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who asked about Irving's time in Boston. Irving responded graciously, recalling his initial excitement upon joining the team. He cited family connections (his father attended school nearby and his mother graduated from Boston University) and the appealing change of pace from Cleveland. Irving emphasized the thrill of playing alongside so much talent, stating that Brown and others challenged him daily, which he needed. He specifically mentioned the excitement of putting on the Celtics uniform as a standout memory. The article notes that Irving's perception around the NBA has significantly improved during his time with the Dallas Mavericks, where he has found a home and happiness. His recent offseason streams are credited with helping people see more of his personality and true character.
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During their time together on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving was asked by a reporter about LeBron James potentially serving as a "parental role" in the locker room, referencing Tristan Thompson's prior description of LeBron as a "great father." Irving appeared visibly stunned by the question, responding with awkward laughter before pivoting to praise LeBron’s leadership and professional mentorship. However, he firmly clarified boundaries by stating, "I only have one father," emphasizing that while LeBron was an on-court influence, he did not seek life guidance from him. Nearly ten years later, Irving revisited the viral moment while streaming as a content creator. Alongside his actual father, Drederick Irving, he recreated the scene and explicitly addressed the original question. Kyrie repeatedly affirmed, "I only have one father, Drederick Irving," and criticized the reporter’s inquiry as "crazy," noting LeBron was only seven years his senior. He added, "No disrespect, bro, but that was a crazy ass question," expressing relief at finally reframing the narrative with his biological father present.
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A viral interaction between Caitlin Clark and Jacy Sheldon highlighted Clark's reputation as a talkative WNBA player, positioning her as a potential successor to legendary trash-talker Diana Taurasi. However, an anonymous WNBA player poll by The Athletic revealed that Clark has not yet claimed the title of the league's foremost trash-talker. The poll of 33 players identified Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas as the top trash-talker, receiving 13 votes. She was followed by Minnesota's Courtney Williams (5 votes), Connecticut's Marina Mabrey (4 votes), and Seattle's Skylar Diggins-Smith (2 votes). Clark and Indiana Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham each received only one vote. Players described Thomas's aggressive style, with one noting, "Everyone knows AT talks s—. I don’t even guard her, and she talks s— to me." Another called her approach "psycho stuff," emphasizing how she smiles while trash-talking. Thomas, nicknamed "The Engine," leads the WNBA in total assists (142) and assists per game (9.5) this season. Thomas's performance has propelled Phoenix to a 14-6 record, making her a strong MVP candidate. While Clark shows emerging trash-talking prowess, the poll suggests the two-time All-Star must further develop this skill to reach Thomas's level in future seasons.
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The news covers various lifestyle, entertainment, and wellness topics including Saina Nehwal's seven dietary practices for maintaining peak physical fitness. Cinema halls are reviving nostalgic experiences through strategic re-releases of classic films. A list of eight college degrees projected to have high job placement rates in 2025 is highlighted for career planning. A DIY guide for creating Korean-inspired hair serum to promote hair growth is featured. Nine specific foods known to reduce cancer risk are identified for health-conscious readers. Fatima Sana Shaikh's floral fashion ensembles are showcased, referencing her role in 'Aap Jaisa Koi'. Top ten stylish looks inspired by Hina Khan's fashion choices are presented. Ahaana Krishna's fashion moments featuring floral patterns and soft-colored outfits are spotlighted. Ten motivational quotes are curated for Monday inspiration to boost productivity. Glamorous photographs of actress Meenakshi Chaudhary are featured in a style segment.
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Luka Doncic has made a significant impact since joining the Los Angeles Lakers midway through the 2024-25 season via a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. In 28 regular-season games, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, helping the Lakers achieve 50 wins and secure the third seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers front office aims to secure Doncic as their long-term franchise cornerstone. He becomes eligible for a four-year, approximately $228 million extension on August 2nd, and the organization is actively working to finalize this deal to keep him with the team. During the offseason, Doncic has been spotted looking noticeably leaner, drawing praise from fans for his improved fitness and fueling optimism for an even stronger performance next season. He has also been seen interacting with fans in various parts of Europe. Recently, Doncic attended a private Jordan Brand event in Athens, Greece, hosted by Michael Jordan. He was joined by Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. Videos circulated online showing the two players laughing, toasting drinks, and enjoying the party, with Adebayo calling Doncic "the MVP of the group". This sighting sparked enthusiastic reactions from Lakers fans on social media. Many fans humorously speculated about the possibility of Adebayo joining the Lakers, with comments ranging from imagining the pair on the same team to joking about potential trades or declaring "Bam to the Lakers confirmed."
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The Boston Celtics face significant changes at the center position for the upcoming season with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and likely Al Horford departing. To address this, the team acquired Luka Garza, formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves, signing him to a reported two-year, $5.5 million contract. Garza expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Celtics during his introductory press conference, highlighting the franchise's prestigious history and winning culture as major attractions. He described himself as a "big basketball junkie" and stated that the opportunity to wear the Celtics uniform was "attractive enough." He further emphasized seeing significant opportunity in the frontcourt and feeling that the Celtics front office and coaches believe in his abilities, making it a good fit for his career stage. Garza outlined the key elements of his game that make him impactful. He identified playing hard as his primary skill, believing it compensates for other limitations. Having gained four years of NBA experience, he noted improvements in his understanding, IQ, angles, and defensive capabilities. Offensively, he expressed strong confidence in his ability to help the team by creating good offense and flow through scoring, passing, screening, and facilitating shots for himself and teammates. Due to the Celtics' lack of proven centers on the current roster, Garza is expected to contend for significant playing time, with a possibility of earning a starting role. His career NBA averages over four seasons are 4.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.1 blocks per game in 7.8 minutes.
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The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round draft picks (2025, 2026, 2028, 2030). Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant expressed shock upon learning of the trade, initially believing it was fake. He stated the move was best for both teams, believing Bane is the missing piece for the talented Orlando Magic and complements players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. CBS Sports ranked the Bane acquisition as the No. 2 move of the offseason, highlighting him as the perfect scoring and shooting threat Orlando needed, especially for kick-outs when Banchero and Wagner drive. While losing Bane, the Grizzlies secured a five-year maximum contract extension worth approximately $240 million (with a 2029-30 player option) for star player Jaren Jackson Jr. Morant strongly endorsed the extension, calling Jackson Jr. the heart of Memphis and the team, though he admitted he didn't understand the salary cap details and thought Jackson deserved even more. Morant also commented on the incoming players. He emphasized the importance of veteran presence Caldwell-Pope brings, particularly for his defensive prowess and mentorship value for the Grizzlies' young players. He noted that playing next to a playmaker like himself could help Caldwell-Pope return to his previous shooting form after a dip last season. The team also bought out Cole Anthony's contract to create additional salary cap space. Caldwell-Pope's potential role includes offering key leadership and possibly mentoring young player Jaylen Wells as Memphis develops its next generation of talent.
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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers expressed his belief that Myles Turner's abilities would complement Giannis Antetokounmpo perfectly, though the context for this comment isn't elaborated in the provided text. Guard Cole Anthony is set to join the Milwaukee Bucks on a one-year deal. After spending his first five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, Anthony was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason but secured a buyout without playing for them. He is now expected to sign with Milwaukee. Anthony, who alternated between starting and bench roles in Orlando, contributed to the Magic's late-season push to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year following a three-year absence, including winning nine of their final twelve regular-season games in 2024-25. Anthony's signing addresses a need for guard depth on the Bucks roster created by the loss of star guard Damian Lillard, who was waived after suffering an Achilles tendon tear during the playoffs. The article highlights three key takeaways from Anthony's move to Milwaukee. Firstly, his offensive ability is considered his most important attribute. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over five seasons with Orlando, ranking him among the top three offensive bench players in the NBA according to ESPN. While his production dipped this past season to a career-low 9.4 points per game due to reduced minutes (18.4 per game) and starting only 22 of 67 games, alongside foot issues causing missed games, increased playing time and better health in Milwaukee could lead to improved output. Secondly, Anthony's scoring is needed. With Lillard out, the Bucks' backcourt lacks scoring punch. Gary Trent Jr. is currently the highest-scoring guard on the roster, averaging 11.7 points per game in the regular season. Anthony and Trent Jr. are likely to compete for minutes at the guard position. Thirdly, the Bucks need to replace Lillard's three-point shooting. Despite a first-round playoff exit and scoring inconsistencies, Milwaukee led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage during the regular season (38.7%). Lillard was a significant factor, leading the team with 3.4 made threes per game. His absence creates a void that needs filling to maintain their strong outside shooting.
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The Memphis Grizzlies made significant moves during the 2024-25 NBA free agency. They unexpectedly traded star guard Desmond Bane and added multiple key pieces. Crucially, they renegotiated the contract of All-Star forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. and signed him to a multi-year contract extension, though the specific terms were not disclosed by the team. Jackson Jr.'s teammate, superstar guard Ja Morant, expressed strong support for the extension while attending Summer League. Morant stated Jackson Jr. "deserves it," calling him "the heart of Memphis" and "the heart of this team." Morant admitted he thought the deal would have been larger, citing his lack of understanding of salary cap rules. Morant also emphasized his personal focus on being healthy for the upcoming season and winning more games, declaring he is already working hard ("in the lab"). The article suggests the Grizzlies will be a significantly different team next season. With the previous "big three" of Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane now broken up, the team will need to rely more heavily on players like Zach Edey and GG Jackson. While the team showed potential last season, starting as a top-four seed, they ultimately finished eighth and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. It remains uncertain if these changes will make them a better team overall.
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The Milwaukee Bucks have opted to sign 25-year-old point guard Cole Anthony following his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, abandoning earlier considerations of veteran Chris Paul. This decision aligns with the team's clear strategy to prioritize youth, evidenced by recent roster moves including trading Brook Lopez and Pat Connaughton for Myles Turner and Gary Harris, while retaining young players Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Jericho Sims, and Ryan Rollins. While Paul offers superior experience and playmaking, Anthony better fits Milwaukee's planned athletic, up-tempo style next season. His high-flying athleticism contrasts with the 40-year-old Paul's current limitations, making Anthony a more cohesive fit. The Bucks now feature a trio of young point guards—Anthony, Porter, and Rollins—collectively capable of facilitating, shooting, and impacting games, despite their relative inexperience. Milwaukee's youth-focused rebuild may continue, with rumors linking them to Thanasis Antetokounmpo or another athletic small forward. The likelihood of Paul joining was always uncertain, as reports indicated he wasn't seriously considering Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks proactively pursued Anthony rather than waiting on Paul's decision, reinforcing their commitment to this roster direction.
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The Boston Celtics are undergoing significant roster changes this offseason, losing four key players from the past two seasons due to financial constraints, a situation that has been challenging for fans despite its predictability. A last-minute addition to their Summer League roster is highlighted as a potential offseason steal. Star forward Jayson Tatum will be absent for most or all of the 2025-26 season while recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in the second round of the 2025 playoffs against the New York Knicks, an injury that derailed their championship hopes. Celtics president Brad Stevens provided an encouraging update, stating Tatum is improving daily and rehabilitating diligently, emphasizing his competitive nature. Tatum's injury severely diminishes the team's title contention prospects for the upcoming season. Jaylen Brown is set to lead the offense, with support from players like Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, but this may not be sufficient for genuine championship contention or even strong competition in the Eastern Conference. Last season, Tatum delivered a standout performance, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game over 72 games. Additionally, the Celtics' $285 million contract has been named one of the worst in the NBA, and a major free agent acquisition has revealed his reasons for choosing Boston.
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Pistons center Jalen Duren's offseason workout videos, showcasing him taking midrange and three-point jump shots in various scenarios (spot up, off screens, off the dribble), have gone viral among fans, sparking excitement about a potentially expanded offensive role for him. While some fans are optimistic, others dismiss the clips as insignificant summer hype, comparing them to past videos of non-shooters like Ben Simmons or Andre Drummond attempting to expand their range. However, observers note Duren's shot appears more fluid than those other big men. Evidence suggests this development isn't entirely new, as beat reporter Eric Vincent confirmed Duren consistently worked on midrange shots during warmups last season. Duren also occasionally handled the ball in transition against weaker defenders, making these new clips seem like a progression. Duren was already a potent force in the pick-and-roll with Cade Cunningham, forming a top-ten assist duo and finishing alley-oops. However, his offensive game was limited last season, with nearly all his field goals coming in the paint and 62% being assisted. The recent postseason highlighted the value of versatile big men like Myles Turner and Karl-Anthony Towns, who combine outside shooting with inside finishing. Even centers with more limited offensive games, like Isaiah Hartenstein, added valuable wrinkles. Expanding his shooting range and improving his ball-handling could make Duren a greater threat in isolation or the post, but more crucially, enhance the flow of the Pistons' team offense. He is expected to develop a two-man game with new addition Duncan Robinson, similar to Robinson's previous success with Bam Adebayo via dribble hand-offs. Improved skills would allow Duren to leverage Robinson's shooting gravity effectively. While Duren's defensive improvement is seen as crucial, a more complete offensive arsenal could significantly uplift the team. Fans hope to see the offseason shooting development translate to the NBA court next season, though expectations are for gradual integration, not a high volume of three-point attempts.
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Top NBA draft picks Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (Spurs) showcased their talents in a Summer League matchup in Las Vegas. Flagg impressed the crowd with highlight dunks on his way to scoring 31 points. Harper, making his Summer League debut after recovering from a minor groin injury, countered with 16 points. Harper expressed excitement about returning for such an electrifying game, stating both players had good games and demonstrated what they bring to the NBA world. He acknowledged Flagg's performance positively. The matchup is seen as the start of a long rivalry between Flagg and Harper, widely considered the top two prospects in their draft class. They joined the Mavericks and Spurs, respectively, after both teams defied lottery odds. As division opponents, they are scheduled to face each other four times annually, with potential future playoff matchups. Harper emphasized their competitive nature, stating, "We're going to go out and compete," and looking forward to great future battles.
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The Memphis Grizzlies, who entered the All-Star break as the second seed in the Western Conference, experienced a significant drop in the standings. This decline led to the surprising firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Despite winning the final Play-In Tournament game to secure the eighth seed, the Grizzlies were swept in four games by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. During the playoff series against the Thunder, star player Ja Morant suffered a hip contusion. This injury severely limited his participation, restricting him to only 15 minutes in Game 3 and forcing him to miss Game 4 entirely. However, Morant recently stated at Summer League that he feels "good ready to go" and is "Already in the lab," indicating he is fully recovered. He also declared his intention to return to being the "Ja of old" next season. Morant averaged 23.2 points per game in the past season, though his scoring saw a major jump specifically *after* the All-Star break. Despite this, the article notes that his ranking among players has slipped, partly due to the success of rising stars like Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Haliburton. With the departure of Desmond Bane via trade, the offensive responsibility on Morant is expected to increase significantly for the upcoming season. While players such as Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson are anticipated to make offensive strides, the Grizzlies' success will largely depend on how far Morant can carry the team.
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The Memphis Grizzlies have officially announced the renegotiation and signing of forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. to a multi-year contract extension. This comes two weeks after reports emerged that the former Defensive Player of the Year agreed to a five-year, $240 million deal. The team confirmed the extension but did not disclose the specific terms per its policy. Jackson Jr. played a key role for the Grizzlies last season, appearing in 74 games. He averaged 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2 assists, a career-high 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game, shooting 49% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His contributions were significant during the team's playoff push, despite an early postseason exit. Over his five-year career with Memphis, Jackson Jr. has appeared in 407 games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1.9 blocks per game. He has started all 27 of his playoff appearances, averaging 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks in postseason play. Originally selected by the Grizzlies with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft after his freshman season at Michigan State, Jackson Jr. is now set to earn nearly $50 million annually. This extension signifies Memphis's commitment to building a competitive team in the Western Conference around him.
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During the Minnesota Timberwolves' Summer League game against the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Edwards created a viral moment while signing autographs for young fans. When a spectator pointed out a child wearing a Jamal Murray jersey and shouted, "He's a Nuggets fan!", Edwards instantly responded with humor and confidence: "It's all good. I be busting their ass." The exchange was captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms. The incident sparked enthusiastic reactions online, with fans praising Edwards' charismatic engagement with rival supporters. One user joked about Edwards potentially signing Nuggets contracts in the future, while others highlighted his growing appeal beyond the Timberwolves fan base. The moment underscored Edwards' reputation as one of the NBA's most beloved personalities due to his quick wit and approachability. This event occurred during Minnesota's second Summer League matchup against Denver, attended by prominent Timberwolves figures including new controlling owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez, head coach Chris Finch, and assistant coach Micah Nori. The ownership transition had been formally announced just one day prior, shifting attention back to on-court developments.
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The Connecticut Sun (3-17) face the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) on Sunday, with the Sun traveling to the West Coast. Connecticut enters the game following a 79-65 loss to the Seattle Storm. Despite Tina Charles recording a double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds), the team's overall offense struggled. The Sparks also come off a loss, falling 91-82 to the first-place Minnesota Lynx. Kelsey Plum led Los Angeles with 17 points and 12 assists, while Julie Vanloo contributed 15 points off the bench in 17 minutes. The Sparks' defense was unable to contain Minnesota. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams during the 2025 season. Their next games are scheduled for Thursday, July 24th in Uncasville, Connecticut, and finally on August 7th in Los Angeles. The game can be watched on NBC Sports Boston in New England. Fans can watch the WNBA all season long, including nationally televised games featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Paige Bueckers, on Fubo. A live stream of the Sun vs. Sparks game is available on Fubo, offering a free trial (regional restrictions may apply).
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The news covers two upcoming WNBA matchups: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever: The Dallas Wings (6-15) are on a two-game losing streak and playing the final game of a road trip. They have a poor 2-9 road record. Key Wings players: Paige Bueckers is averaging 20.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals over her last 10 games. Arike Ogunbowale (averaging 16.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.5 steals) is expected to return Sunday. Li Yueru and JJ Quinerly are coming off solid performances. The Indiana Fever (10-10) ended a two-game losing streak with a win over Atlanta and are playing the final game of a homestand. They have a 6-6 home record. Key Fever players: Caitlin Clark has struggled with shooting (9-for-27 in two games since returning from injury) but faces a Wings defense that allows the league's third-highest FG% to opposing guards. Kelsey Mitchell scored a team-high 25 points in the last game, her second 25-point game in four outings. Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard have both scored 20+ points within the last three games. Betting Line: Fever favored by 10.0 points. Over/Under total points set at 175.0. Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty: The only information provided for this game is the betting line: Liberty favored by 3.5 points. Over/Under total points set at 167.5. The news includes a general note that all player return dates mentioned are estimates.
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The Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks, two of the WNBA's bottom-three teams, face off Sunday in their first matchup this season, with predictions highlighting scoring props and a favorable spread for the visiting Sun. Tina Charles is projected to exceed 15.5 points, supported by her recent offensive surge—scoring 20 and 29 points in the last two games while taking 40 shots and 18 free throws. This aligns with the Sparks' defensive struggles: they allow the league's second-highest points per game (87.2), second-worst field goal percentage (44.9%), and third-most points in the paint (37.1), creating ideal conditions for Charles' interior dominance. Additional predictions include Kelsey Plum surpassing 18.5 points, bolstered by her 20.9-point home average at crypto.com Arena, and the Sun covering the +11.5 spread. Team statistics reveal both franchises' defensive woes: the Sun hold the worst defensive rating while the Sparks rank last overall. Connecticut is 3-17 straight up but 9-11 against the spread, including six covers in their last 10 games. Conversely, the Sparks are 6-14 straight up and 0-3 ATS in recent home games. Historical trends heavily favor Connecticut, who have won the last 10 head-to-head meetings. Injury reports note absences for the Sun's Marina Mabrey and the Sparks' Cameron Brink.
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Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving, entering his 15th NBA season, recently revisited a viral 2017 interview moment during a 24-hour Twitch livestream held at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The moment in question involved a reporter asking Irving if LeBron James was like a "father figure" to him, a question Irving always found strange. While pointing to his actual father, Drederick Irving, Kyrie emphatically rejected the notion during the livestream. He stated, "I only have one father, Drederick Irving," calling the original question "crazy" and emphasizing the small age difference between himself and LeBron James. Irving clarified his reaction was "No disrespect" towards James. The article notes that Irving and James' relationship became rocky towards the end of their time as teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading to Irving requesting a trade. However, it mentions they have since reconnected, and there have been rumors about a potential future reunion following their 2016 championship win together. This offseason content creation, including the livestream where he received a call from teammate Luka Doncic, comes as Irving recovers from a torn ACL suffered in March against the Sacramento Kings.
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Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed significant disappointment with center Kel'el Ware's underwhelming performance during the Summer League. Despite Ware becoming the Heat's starting center mid-season and earning second-team All-Rookie honors last year, and the organization valuing him highly enough to exclude him from a Kevin Durant trade offer, his play this summer has been a letdown. Spoelstra emphasized that Ware must urgently improve his professionalism, consistency, and daily approach, stating that the team has "bigger expectations" than normal growing pains for a young player. While acknowledging Ware's talent, Spoelstra stressed that standards won't lower and Ware must take ownership of improving his professionalism and consistency. Ware's performance statistics reflect the concerns. Through two California Classic games and one in Las Vegas, he averaged 12.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. However, he shot only 39.4% from the field and made just 1-of-10 three-point attempts. His plus-minus rating was a team-worst minus-21 in a recent loss to Atlanta. Ware himself acknowledged to reporters that he needs to improve his boxing out, defense, and finishing at the rim. The news content also includes strong fan reactions to the Heat's trade of Jimmy Butler. Many commenters view the trade negatively, arguing that acquiring Norman Powell and a rookie point guard (described as terrible and overmatched) is a significant downgrade from Butler. They characterize the return for Butler as getting mere "cents on the dollar," criticizing the move as driven by a reluctance to pay Butler while taking on Powell and Andrew Wiggins' contracts. Some specifically label it a "terrible trade" and a "huge L," citing Butler's positive impact on the Golden State Warriors' record late last season and questioning the value of the return pieces like Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and future cap space. Critics further argue the trade signifies a decline for the Heat, suggesting they are now merely a "6 seed hope" in the Eastern Conference, which they equate to being a 14th-place team in the stronger Western Conference. While one comment suggests it's too early to judge the trade definitively ("the assets and fallout develops and time has elapsed"), the dominant sentiment among the included reactions is that the Butler trade was a major loss for Miami.
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Basketball Sphere provides a daily recap of EuroLeague transfers, detailing all player movements from the previous day as clubs actively negotiate and finalize rosters for the 2025/2026 season. Teams are engaged in constant activity, including speculations, departures, and signings. The expanded 20-team EuroLeague format introduces new entrants Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai, while Valencia returns to the competition. Notably, Alba Berlin will be absent this season compared to the previous one. A specific transfer highlighted is ABA League MVP McKinley Wright officially signing with Dubai Basketball. The new EuroLeague season begins on September 30, with ongoing developments expected as teams complete their rosters before the start.
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The article predicts that the Atlanta Dream will cover the +4.5 point spread against the New York Liberty in their upcoming WNBA game. Despite the Dream losing four of their last six games, including a heavy defeat to Indiana, their recently improved offense (now ranked fourth in scoring at 84.3 PPG) positions them to compete with the high-scoring Liberty (86.7 PPG). Atlanta also split the season series, winning decisively at home against New York on June 29th. The Liberty, after starting the season 9-0, have struggled recently with a 4-6 record, often allowing high scores (89+ points in five of those losses). This downturn is partly attributed to the continued absence of injured center Jonquel Jones. While New York has won eight of the last ten head-to-head matchups, Atlanta has covered the point spread in three straight games and five of the last six. The Liberty's strong 8-2 home record is contrasted by their less impressive 5-4-1 record against the spread at home. The article's best bet is the Dream +4.5 (-110). It also recommends two player prop bets: Allisha Gray over 17.5 points (citing her season average of 18.7 and a 20-point performance against New York last meeting, despite a recent poor outing) and Sabrina Ionescu over 2.5 made three-pointers (noting her 7-for-15 three-point shooting against Atlanta this season and a bounce-back expectation after a 1-for-9 performance).
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Victor Wembanyama is positioned not only to dominate on the NBA court but also to significantly impact fantasy basketball, potentially breaking all-time records. His unique combination of skills makes him exceptionally valuable in the fantasy realm, which rewards players who fill the stat sheet comprehensively. Offensively, Wembanyama is expected to elevate his game beyond his rookie season average of 24.6 points per game. With his initial experimental period over and the Spurs aiming for playoff contention, he is projected to become a more efficient and driven scorer. Analysts predict he could average between 26 to 30 points per game in the upcoming season, potentially placing him in the NBA's top 10 scorers. Wembanyama's fantasy value is further amplified by his extraordinary defensive production, particularly shot-blocking. Averaging an "absurd" 3.7 blocks per game through his first two seasons – a level of dominance unseen in decades – provides a massive boost in fantasy leagues where defensive stats are highly rewarded. This elite defense, combined with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, gives him an unparalleled advantage. Due to the relatively recent popularity of fantasy basketball, legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain never had their seasons recorded in fantasy metrics. Wembanyama now has the opportunity to set new, potentially unbreakable, fantasy records. Competing against stars like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, he possesses all the necessary tools to establish himself as the best fantasy basketball player ever in the upcoming season.
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The Nike Ja 3 Halloween is an upcoming style in Ja Morant's signature shoe line, continuing the series' tradition of Halloween-inspired designs that tie into his personal life. Newly revealed images detail the sneaker's features, including a predominantly neon green colorway with a tie-dye effect, a vertical Swoosh with a red border and "twelve" embroidery on the heels, a fang-like dubrae spelling "Morant," and brown shoelaces. The insole displays "Zombie" alongside a zombie-like depiction of Morant, and the shoe has glow-in-the-dark capabilities from the rubber outsole to the Kurim-reinforced upper. Alongside the Halloween style, other upcoming Ja 3 models include the NY vs. NY and EYBL colorways, both featuring hand-drawn graffiti marks by Morant, as part of Nike's holiday 2025 basketball line preview. Morant's multiyear, multimillion-dollar Nike deal began in 2019, and the company publicly supported him during 2023 controversies involving gun-related social media incidents, emphasizing accountability and well-being in a June 2023 statement. The Nike Ja 3 Halloween is expected to release on October 21, 2025, via Nike's e-commerce store and select Nike Basketball retailers, priced at $140 with the style code HV9923-700.
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