Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on 76ers key: 'Our chemistry… Us liking each other'
We know the headliners in Philadelphia: LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid. What too often gets overlooked is that Mike Gansey didn’t just recruit stars, he brought in talent around them for a quality bench, guys such as Anfernee Simons, Dean Wade and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
That’s a lot of mouths for coach Nick Nurse to feed. What is the key to making it all work? Caldwell-Pope — who has won two rings — said the key is the chemistry the roster is building now. Here is what he told Kris Rhim of ESPN.
“Our chemistry is gonna be the biggest part for us,” Caldwell-Pope said Monday. “Us liking each other, being able to be around each other and have fun on and off the court…
“We have so much talent from one through 12, or 15, however many guys we’ve got, and it’s talent everywhere,” he said. “So, I think our biggest thing is just communicating with each other, learning each other’s tendencies, and just trying to implement that on and off the court.”
Chemistry takes time. It can start in training camps and with team dinners, but what it really takes is real games with the core guys healthy and playing together — we saw that for one half this preseason, which is about right — and it will take some road trips. Team dinners on the road where LeBron spluges on good wines. Bus trips. Locker room jokes.
Bringing in LeBron changes a team’s culture — he is a brand and culture unto himself. Not in a bad way, but he’s the most famous player in the world, an icon, a guy in the GOAT conversation, and his off-court presence is huge. He’s also still the first guy in the gym and he puts in the work, that’s a big part of his culture, too, and it rubs off on teammates.
It may take some time, but the 76ers culture is going to come together. They are going to figure out how to play best together, Nurse is going to figure out rotations that work. The basketball side of this will come together. Then it just comes back to those core 76ers guys with lengthy injury histories being available when it matters most.
Get a look at the 76ers’ early-season chemistry on opening night, next Tuesday, Oct. 20, when they travel to Madison Square Garden and try to spoil the Knicks’ ring night. Watch that game on NBC and Peacock as part of our opening day triple-header, with the ring ceremony starting at 6:30 Eastern and the game tipping off at 7 p.m.
Clippers Waive Cam Christie Ahead Of Guarantee Date
The Los Angeles Clippers have waived Cam Christie.
Christie had a $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season that was set to be guaranteed on Thursday.
Christie, who was the 46th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft out of Minnesota, appeared in 55 games last season with the Clippers. Christie averaged 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes.
Jemison appeared in one game with Toronto during the preseason after signing a two-way contract in August.
Jemison spent the 2025-26 season with the New York Knicks on a Two-Way.
In 13 NBA games, Jemison averaged 1.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.3 minutes. Jemison also appeared in 31 G League games, averaging 8.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes.
USWNT vs Spain stock report: Risers and fallers from two friendlies
WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES – OCTOBER 10: Emily Fox (L) of USA in action against Lucia Corrales (17) of Spain during Women’s International Friendly football match between USA and Spain at Audi Field Stadium in Washington D.C., United States on October 10, 2026. (Photo by Hasan Akbas/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
The No. 2 ranked USWNT took on No. 1 ranked Spain in the first of two friendlies on Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The two are the favorites to bring home the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and headed into these matches looking to make a big statement.
Patri Guijarro’s long-range blast put the visitors on the board in the third minute. The midfielder had acres of space in front of her and took advantage of the lack of pressure. In the 14th minute, Salma Paralluelo beat Tierna Davidson one-on-one and proceeded to deliver a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Eva Navarro to double the lead.
The only blemishes for the defending champions? Natalia Ramos conceded a penalty kick with a foul in the box on Sophia Wilson and Athenea del Castillo received a red card for violent conduct (hair pull), three minutes after subbing on.
Spain’s clinical finishing was the difference in this match as they pounced on every single mistake from the home side. The top-ranked side needed with just six shots (three on goal), to take down the home side.
The USWNT’s struggles in the first half, led to them chasing the game the rest of the way. Although it resulted in good attacking sequences, they wasted the chances when they had them.
In the 70th minute, Lily Yohannes stutter-step penalty attempt was denied by Adriana Nanclares.
In the first of two friendlies, who shined bright and who failed to capitalize on the moment?
Stock Up
Alyssa Thompson: The one player that Spain had absolutely no answer for.
In the 11th minute, she delivered a ball into the box that nearly provided Rodman the goal.
Five minutes later, she received the ball from Wilson and rounded the goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares. She should’ve finished the chance, but only a few players in the world would even be in the position to make that happen and Thompson is one of them.
In the 40th minute, she drew a yellow card on Lucía Corrales.
It was heck of a performance for the winger who looks every bit like the final frontline starting spot will be hers.
Sophia Wilson: The forward was influential in every aspect of the match. Her defensive intensity, speed on the counters, and playmaking stood out. Wilson’s connection with Thompson shined in the first half and Rodman in the second half.
In the 53rd minute she finished off a through-ball from Rodman, but it was later ruled offside.
Although it was not converted by Yohannes, Wilson drew a foul in the box in the 67th minute on Natalia Ramos. She’s 11/11 in her career on penalty kicks in NWSL, could Hayes make the move to her soon?
She led the USWNT in shots, shots on target, touches in opposition box, successful dribbles, chances created, and fouls won.
Other Positives
Ashley Sanchez: For the first time since October 30, 2024, the NWSL MVP favorite would earn a USWNT cap – 66th minute sub.
Emily Fox: It took a bit of time to settle in, but Fox came up with numerous goal-saving interventions and ignited multiple counterattacks. She led the team with seven defensive contributions, nine clearances, and backline with six duels won.
Claire Hutton: The absence of Sam Coffey should have opened the door for a defensive midfielder to take her place, but instead head coach Emma Hayes opted for Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes in a double pivot. Hutton is still widely-regarded as one of the top sixes in the NWSL and will have work to do to get more opportunities. However, in the second half she stabilized the control of the match once coming on a sub and now she’ll likely start in the second friendly vs Spain and to further that impression.
Gisele Thompson: Once she subbed on at the start of the second half, the left side of Rodman and Thompson shined bright and gave Spain more than they could handle. The early struggles of Patterson will open up more opportunities for the Angel City FC star.
Trinity Rodman: It was a tale of two halves for the superstar as she shined in the second half once Thompson came on. She was nearly credited with an assist before the goal was called off and started applying even more pressure on Spain’s backline with and without the ball. Rodman was first on team in recoveries and second in shots, shots on target, touches in opposition box tackles, fouls won, and defensive contributions.
Stock Down
Central Defense: Neither Kennedy Wesley nor Tierna Davidson did enough to separate themselves apart from one another with Naomi Girma looking for her partner at CB. Their nightmare opening 15 minutes included a shaky sequence – attempting to cover for Wesley who was in midfield, Davidson was beaten 1-v-1 by Paralluelo who found an unmarked Navarro. They cleaned it up significantly after that, but it was too late by then.
Avery Patterson: Although it was on the entire backline in both goals conceded, Patterson was near the action each time. She completed just 16/21 passes (76%) in the first half and struggled with the ball and trying to stop Spain’s attack being credited with just two defensive contributions. She was replaced at the start of the second half by Gisele Thompson. It’s also important to consider that the Houston Dash FB is a natural right-back as is ACFC’s Thompson – they were both asked to play on the left for this match.
Emma Hayes and Midfield: Instead of replacing Sam Coffey with another defensive midfielder, Emma Hayes opted for a midfield of Rose Lavelle, Lily Yohannes, and Lindsey Heaps. With all three players traditionally better in attacking roles, the balance in the middle of the park was lost immediately to Spain. All three struggled to help in defense and none of them did a good enough job shielding the backline. What encapsulated the entire day for the group? Yohannes missed PK in the 70th minute.
Claudia Dickey: In the goalkeeping competition, it has come down to either Dickey or Tullis-Joyce. Unfortunately for the Seattle Reign backstop, folks will only remember what happened in key moments.
She faced three shots from Spain and was only credited with one save.
USWNT vs Spain: The Rematch
In the rematch, both sides would make several changes.
Emma Hayes made four changes with Sanchez, Thompson, Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce all in the starting XI.
Sonia Bermúdez countered with six changes for Spain.
In the 27th minute, a lack of pressure the entire sequence led to Alexia Putellas’s tap-in goal to give Spain the 1-0 lead. Five minutes later, the visitors took advantage of Tullis-Joyce’s distribution with Putellas catching Tierna Davidson asleep and Salma Paralluelo clinically finishing to double the lead.
Sophia Wilson led the counterattack brilliantly, finding Ashley Sanchez to trim the lead to 1-2 in the 49th minute. It was the NC Courage winger’s first goal for international goal since 2022.
Off a long-ball in the 86th minute from USWNT debutant Kate Del Fava, Michelle Cooper took it into the box and laid it off to Mallory Swanson for an incredible volley, completing a 0-2 comeback draw.
Emily Fox: The top performer in the friendlies was the Arsenal fullback. After a stellar opening match, Fox followed it up leading the team in defensive contributions, interceptions, and duels won. The only question left is who will be starting opposite of her?
Ashley Sanchez: In her first start for the USWNT since 2024, the NWSL MVP frontrunner gave them the much-needed spark to the attack.
Mallory Swanson: The Chicago Stars forward always scores in the biggest moments and this was no different. With her team desperately searching for the equalizer, she took a touch and then volleyed it home – her first goal since the 2024 Olympic Games winner.
Other Positives
Lily Yohannes: The young midfielder came on as a second-half sub and dominated the proceedings with her playmaking. In the 69th minute, she nearly tallied the equalizing assist to Swanson and in the final seconds of stoppage time, almost found the game-winner.
Michelle Cooper: The KC Current forward has a work rate that is simply impossible to match in attack or defense. She tallied the game-tying assist to Swanson and will likely be a key contributor off the bench and a spot starter for the senior team moving forward.
Kate Del Fava: The Utah Royals center back was the final name added to USWNT and she made her first appearance memorable. Although she won’t be credited with the assist, her precise delivery sparked the equalizer.
Kennedy Wesley: A solid performance from the San Diego Wave captain as she was first in clearances and blocks. Additionally, second on the team in defensive contributions and duels won. The scary part? Wesley also completed 49/56 passes for 88% accuracy.
Stock Down
Phallon Tullis-Joyce: The Manchester United goalkeeper immediately made her presence felt with a crucial one-on-one save on Clara Pinedo in the 14th minute.
Unfortunately, there were two glaring mistakes on the second Spain goal.
The struggles in distribution would also continue for the backstop. In the 32nd minute, her long-ball immediately found a Spain player, and they proceeding to take advantage for the goal. On that particular score, the GK was beaten near-post.
The competition is wide-open for this position as Hayes will have to make a decision.
Tierna Davidson: She may very well earn the starting spot opposite Naomi Girma, however, these two performances in key moments against Spain were underwhelming to say the least. The central defender was near the action on all four goals conceded to the top-ranked side whether it was caught out of position or beat one-on-one in crucial situations. Against top sides, you cannot afford those ‘mistakes.’ After these friendlies, she may have lost ground in the CB competition.
Defensive Woes: Although each goal given up was ‘preventable,’ it was also the lack of urgency that cost the USWNT time and time again during the two friendlies. Spain capitalized on mistakes and exploited the spaces in rest defense en route to four goals.
Finishing: The attack generated 27 shots with 16 on target combined in two matches vs Spain. It took two bangers to find the back of the net coming from Sanchez and Swanson. The lack of finishing will be a key talking point moving forward especially from Rodman and Wilson who are penciled in as two starters.
NBA betting, odds: Tips for betting the NBA and 2 futures wagers I like
The 2026-27 NBA regular season is rapidly approaching. How will LeBron James look in Philadelphia? What about Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball in Minnesota? Can the New York Knicks repeat?
We’ll see the answers to those questions soon enough. In this article I am going to give you three tips for betting the NBA regular season, and two NBA futures bets to place now.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season
Let’s start with some macro strategic betting advice for this season.
Bet as early as you can
This is slightly different for every bettor, mainly based on the availability of lines to bet into and the limits offered at the time.
But it’s important to figure out when lines you have access to open up, and when you can bet enough money (small or big) that aligns with your bankroll. From there, consistently try and bet at the earliest time possible with those parameters established. NBA lines are volatile, and they will move a good amount, so the best way to get positive expected value wagers is to bet early and beat the closing line. There will be times you get a bad break on injury news, a random player resting that went unreported. Don’t let that dissuade you from the biggest edges being available earlier.
Keep track of your closing line value (CLV)
Closing line value is the most important secondary metric in sports betting.
After looking at wins and losses, profit (or deficit) and return on investment (ROI), the CLV tells the real story of whether your process was sound and if the results — usually a small sample size — were good or bad luck.
For example, if you bet a favorite -3, hope they close with a standard line of -4 or greater. That small gap in beating the closing line is the most quantifiable edge in betting. Use a bet tracking platform to help you in this. You can sync your sportsbook log-ins with one of the tracking apps so the entire process is automated, and you will get the secondary metrics done for you.
Take some time to reflect every week or so on what is closing well and what is not; do more of the good and less of the bad.
Track the injury report closely
I truly believe the biggest edge in NBA basketball the last few years has been a firm grasp on the injury report and projecting the news better than the market.
If a star player is listed as questionable, the market may price his impact on the spread and total 50-50. It becomes our job as bettors to figure out if that probability is closer to 75-25, 80-20, 90-10, etc. This can be done by tracking what the beat writers are reporting (follow them all on X). Listening or reading what players and coaches say in interviews often provides insightful context. If you become a master of the injury report, and solely bet off that news well, there is a very high probability of being a winning sports bettor, which would be confirmed by frequent CLV and betting early before news is widely known.
Good luck this season!
MACAU, CHINA – OCTOBER 09: Kevin Durant #7 of Houston Rockets shoots during NBA China Games 2026 between Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks at The Venetian Arena on the Cotai Strip on October 09, 2026 in Macau, China.
Zhizhao Wu via Getty Images
Here are two futures wagers I like right now.
Houston Rockets over 48.5 wins
The Rockets finished last season 52-30 in what felt like an underwhelming season. Houston consistently lacked the ability to finish teams off late in games. Now, they add veteran point guard Fred VanVleet to steady the ship, and get back Steven Adams to dominate the offensive glass and protect the rim. These additions, along with bringing in Marcus Smart — who has thrived under head coach Ime Udoka in the past — significantly raise the floor of this team. Amen Thompson and Alperin Sengun should take another leap in their development as well.
The downside for the Rockets this season is that the league changed its NBA Draft lottery rules to remove “tanking.” The worst teams are no longer outwardly trying to lose games, and therefore the floor of all teams should be raised. I still think the Rockets improved significantly by getting healthy and they will be one of the top teams in the league this season.
Their win total over is easily my favorite preseason bet. Last year when the Rockets lost Adams, they were No. 1 in offensive rebounding and 3-point shooting (his rebounding would provide space for kick-outs and high percentage looks) and second in league market rating from a betting lens.
I think the Rockets can certainly achieve being a top-five market-rated team as long as they are healthy, so their win total becomes a no-brainer over.
Player prop: Andrew Wiggins 2+ 3-pointers made per game (-125)
Last year, Miami Heat small forward Andrew Wiggins had the best shooting efficiency of his career, making 41.4% from 3-point range on 4.9 attempts per game. Wiggins has already proven capable of good efficiency on solid volume, and this year he is going to be tasked with expanding that part of his game.
The Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason and sent out a package that included Tyler Herro — the Heat’s most dependable floor spacer. Wiggins re-signed and restructured his contract to fit into this team’s core for the next few years and head coach Eric Spoelstra has raved about Wiggins this preseason. Wiggins’ starting spot in secured, and his role could be expanded.
The Heat are also continuing with the offense coached by assistant Noah LaRoche. His style emphasizes pace and an extreme lack of on ball screens set. Antetokounmpo will be the primary creator and he will be charging downhill to try and draw a double team, and then it is passing until the free shooter is found. I expect Wiggins to increase to close to six 3-point attempts per game, which could handle an efficiency dip from 41.4% down to 33%.
Wiggins to average 2+ 3-pointers made per game is my favorite individual player prop.
Celtics reportedly sign G Payton Pritchard to 2-year, $44.2 million extension, with a mutual option
The Boston Celtics are reportedly signing guard Payton Pritchard to a two-year, $44.2 million extension, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2029-2030 season, and it is fully guaranteed.
The Celtics selected Pritchard with the 26th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He helped them win the 2024 NBA Championship and was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2025.
The Boston guard has been used off the bench throughout his career, but he started 50 games last year, a significant increase from 3 the year before. Pritchard averaged a career-high 17 points per game last year. He also averaged 3.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 32.4 minutes per game.
Pritchard is once again projected to come off the bench this season. Derrick White is expected to start at point guard, with Baylor Scheierman at shooting guard. The Celtics will likely rely more on Pritchard off the bench this season, since former guard Jaylen Brown now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite being a first-round pick, the guard has carved out a role as a depth player. He tended to fly under the radar, but had his first breakout game on April 9, 2023, against the Atlanta Hawks.
Pritchard finished with 30 points and hit nine 3-pointers. He added 14 rebounds and 11 assists in his first-ever triple-double.
The guard’s best scoring output came on March 5, 2025, when he drilled 10 3-pointers and finished with 43 total points. Pritchard also grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double.
He has 16 games in which he has made at least five 3-pointers. Pritchard is shooting 39.4% from beyond the arc in his career. Last year, he averaged 7.1 3-point attempts per game, the 18th most in the league.
The Boston guard’s 37.7% three-point percentage ranked 11th-highest among players who attempted that many shots from beyond the arc.
Pritchard and the Celtics will open up the 2026-2027 NBA season on Tuesday, October 20, on the road against the Detroit Pistons.
Payton Pritchard, Celtics Agree To Two-Year, $44.2M Extension
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension, plus a mutual option in the 2029-30 season, CAA co-head of basketball Austin Brown and agent Max Saidman told ESPN on Tuesday.
Pritchard — the 2024 NBA champion and 2025 Sixth Man of the Year — cashes in on a fully guaranteed two-year max extension to keep him a key long-term member of the retooled Celtics after the 6-foot-1 guard averaged career highs in points (17), assists (5.2) and rebounds (3.9) last season.
The mutual option for Pritchard and the Celtics allows for either side to opt-in for the final season of his contract in 2029-30, which also opens the window for extension conversations that summer.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 22: Isaiah Collier #8 of the Utah Jazz handles the ball during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 22, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Alex Goodlett/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After splitting their first two preseason games against the Nuggets, a new opponent is rolling into Salt Lake City. The San Antonio Spurs, runner-ups from last season and my pick for the eventual 2027 NBA champion, are coming to town, and will bring match-up problems that I can’t wait for the Jazz to try to solve. If Victor Wembanyama plays (and that is a big “if”), this preseason game will give us a unique opportunity to watch the Jazz, in a low-stakes environment, attempt to solve the player who seems destined to rule the West for the foreseeable future.
I’m particularly interested to see how what lineups the Jazz roll out in this one. Preseason is a time for experimentation, so I would not be shocked to see a starting lineup against the Spurs that Will Hardy has no intention of starting once the regular season comes around. Will Josh Okogie get his chance with the starters? Will Keyonte sit, giving Darryn Peterson some point guard reps? Will Hardy give Blake Hinson a shot with more established players? If ever he wanted to try these scenarios out, now is the time.
Once again, all eyes will be on Darryn Peterson. After he struggled in game 1 against the Nuggets, his shotmaking popped in the rematch. How will he fare against the notoriously physical Spurs backcourt? This is, once again, assuming that he plays – I would not be surprised if the injury report before this game looks eerily similar to what we became accustomed to during March and April of last season.
Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs—How to Watch:
Who: Utah Jazz vs San Antonio Spurs
Where: Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
When: 7pm Mountain Daylight Time
How to Watch: KJZZ, Jazz+ (in market) or NBA League Pass (out of market)
Spurs release new ABA-inspired Classic Edition uniforms and court
SAN ANTONIO – 1973: George Karl #22 of the San Antonio Spurs of the ABA looks to pass circa 1973 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1973 NBAE (Photo by NBA Photos/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s a not a new season without new alternate uniforms in this day and age, and the Spurs have released their new Classic Editions: a retro throwback to their ABA origins in honor of the 50th anniversary of the American Basketball Association’s merger with the National Basketball Association back in 1976.
“Honoring our ABA roots through this Classic Edition uniform gives us an opportunity to celebrate the history that helped shape the Spurs and our city,” said Jordan Mandelkorn, vice president of marketing, creative and retail at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. “From the original design worn at HemisFair Arena to the special court with the ABA 50th anniversary logo, this season-long celebration will connect generations of fans to our past while carrying that legacy forward into the future.”
The uniform features a silver base, grounding the team in a core color that reflects the early identity of the franchise. The arched Spurs wordmark returns in its original form on the jersey, worn by the first players to ever represent the city in the early ‘70s and now carrying forward their legacy. Directly above the jock tag, a special ABA anthem tag honors the league that brought the Spurs to the NBA. The shorts will feature the original black diamond backdrop framing the Spurs logo. The team’s patch partner, Ledger, appears on each jersey, symbolizing the commitment they share with the Spurs to build upon past greatness as the next generation forges forward into the future.
Each thread tells a story, and every detail carries us forward.
The Dallas Chaparrals of the ABA first came to San Antonio in 1973. They were initially going to be renamed “The “Gunslingers” before it was changed to the Spurs (probably a good idea), although there is debate as to whether the change was the result of a contest or one of the owners being from the small town of Spur, TX. They soon joined the NBA as part of the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, along with the Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers and then-New York Nets. The Spurs saw early success in the ABA and NBA, led by George Gervin and James Silas, and although it would take until 1999, they because the first former ABA team to win an NBA title — five, to be specific — and held that distinction until the Nuggets won it all in 2023.
The Spurs will sport their new Classic Edition uniforms and court nine times during the 2026-27 regular season, beginning on November 4 when they fittingly host the Dallas Mavericks. What do you think of the new unis, Pounders? It’s far from their first grey/silver uniform, but these are pretty slick, and the extra meaning behind them definitely adds some significance. Plus, there couldn’t be a more rad duo for rolling them out than Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.
How Kimi Antonelli can clinch the F1 Drivers’ Championship in Austin
(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the Singapore Grand Prix in the books, the Formula 1 grid will go quiet for a week, until the United States Grand Prix.
And a champion can now be crowned that weekend in Austin.
Kimi Antonelli is on the doorstep of his first F1 Drivers’ Championship, and could mathematically clinch that title at the United States Grand Prix later in Austin.
Here is how.
F1 Drivers’ Championship standings
Here are the current standings, including only the drivers that still have a mathematical chance at winning the F1 Drivers’ Championship this season.
Position
Driver
Team
Points
Wins
1
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
340
8
2
George Russell
Mercedes
238
3
3
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
229
1
4
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
221
2
5
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
215
1
6
Lando Norris
McLaren
201
2
How Antonelli can clinch at the USGP
This weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix marked the final F1 Sprint race of the season. Six race weekends remain, all in the standard Grand Prix format, meaning that on paper 150 points are up for grabs — 25 points are awarded to the winner of each Grand Prix.
That number will drop to 125 after the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
That means that to clinch the title in Texas, Antonelli needs to leave the Circuit of the Americans with at least a 125-point lead over his rivals in the title chase. He will head to Austin with a 102-point lead over teammate George Russell, and a 111-point lead over Lewis Hamilton, putting Antonelli in position to clinch in Texas.
A win in Austin, coupled with favorable results from Russell and Hamilton, would get the job done. If Antonelli wins the United States Grand Prix he would move to 365 points on the year, 127 points ahead of Russell and 136 points ahead of Hamilton before their results are factored in.
Which means Russell needs to finish eighth or higher in Austin to remain alive in the title race, and Hamilton needs to finish fourth or higher to remain alive, should Antonelli win the United States Grand Prix. We will return to these two drivers in a moment.
A win from Antonelli would eliminate Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen. At the moment Antonelli has a 139-point lead over Norris, and with a win in Austin that would extend to 164 points, and a second-place finish from Norris would only cut that margin down to 146, outside of striking range. With Leclerc, Antonelli has a 125-point lead, which would grow to 150 points with a win in Austin, and a P2 from Leclerc would only cut that margin down to 132 points, outside of striking range.
As for Verstappen, who is in prime form at the moment, Antonelli enjoys a 119-point lead over the Red Bull driver. An Antonelli win at the United States Grand Prix would grow that to 144 points, which Verstappen could only cut down to 126 points with a P2, just outside of striking range. Remember, only 125 points are available after the United States Grand Prix.
Now let’s talk about Russell and Hamilton.
Antonelli has a gap of 111 points to Hamilton at the moment, and if Antonelli wins in Austin, that would grow to 136 points. If the Ferrari driver were to finish second, he would cut that gap down to 118 points, which would keep Hamilton alive. Simply put, if Antonelli wins in Austin, as long as Hamilton finishes in the top four, he would remain alive. Should Antonelli win — and grow his lead over Hamilton to 136 points before we calculate the Ferrari driver’s finish — then a P5 from Hamilton would trim that gap by ten points to 126.
With 125 points remaining available.
As for Russell, if he finishes eighth or higher, he would remain alive in the title fight even if Antonelli wins in Austin. If he finishes ninth, he would be exactly 125 points behind Antonelli if the Italian driver were to win the United States Grand Prix, with five race weekends left. He could then — theoretically — win the rest of the races while Antonelli finished outside of the points in all of them, and finish tied with Antonelli on points.
But he would lose to Antonelli on countback, or tiebreakers.
An Antonelli win in Austin would move him to nine wins on the season. And if Russell won out from there, he would finish with … eight wins. Wins are the first tiebreaker, so if the two were to finish level on points, the title would be decided by the number of wins and since Antonelli would have nine and Russell would have eight, the title would be Antonelli’s.
However, there are some other factors to consider …
What about Qatar and Abu Dhabi?
Nothing in this world happens in a vacuum.
Including Formula 1.
Hostilities in the Middle East between the United States and Iran already forced the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, and required moving the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia. As things stand right now, the final two races of the season are set for Qatar in late November, and Abu Dhabi the following weekend at the start of December.
F1 has not announced a decision on those races — and news is expected later this month — but the sport’s governing body already cancelled Rally Saudi Arabia, as the World Endurance Championship was slated for a race in Saudi Arabia in mid-November.
Which does not bode well for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
So, hypothetically for the moment, if we remove those two races from the schedule, then only four race weekends remain this season. And in that scenario, only 100 points are available to those drivers chasing Antonelli.
And since Russell is closest at 102 points behind … in this scenario Antonelli has already clinched the title.
Now, F1 has floated the idea of adding a race in Imola at the end of the season, should circumstances force a cancellation of both Qatar and Abu Dhabi. In that scenario, with five races remaining, a maximum of 125 points are available to the drivers over those events.
And Antonelli would need a lead of 100 points over each of his rivals to clinch the title in Austin, if the season were to finish with Mexico, Brazil, Las Vegas, and Imola.
What do we know for sure?
Antonelli heads to Austin with a chance to clinch his first title, and SB Nation will be on the ground covering it live.
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