JJ Redick was pleased with ‘awesome’ season debut from Adou Thiero
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 6: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers boxes out during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on November 6, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
However, an ill-timed injury halted Thiero’s progress and kept him out of the opening weeks of the regular season. After some patience to allow swelling in his knee to go down, Thiero finally made his season debut in Friday’s win over the Blazers and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat from the preseason.
In only six minutes, Thiero’s impact was felt as he tallied four points, four rebounds and two assists. After the game, head coach JJ Redick was asked about his performance and got rave reviews.
“I thought his first two defensive possessions, he made mistakes and then after that he was awesome,” Redick said. “He literally did everything we asked him to do. He was great on the offensive glass. Even sometimes when we didn’t necessarily get the possession, he was tapping the ball and crashing.
“I thought the read he made out of the short roll, I think they blitzed three times in the first half and two of those were against him. He makes the short roll and he gets the lob. I thought he played a great game and, defensively, he was really good in the second half.”
Thiero came in late in the first quarter in the role previously held by Jarred Vanderbilt and immediately made an impact. Given his leaping ability, Thiero being the ball screener and roll man felt like an obvious fit.
The Blazers immediately tested him as they blitzed Luka Dončić, forcing Thiero to not just be in the right spot in the short roll, but then make a decision. He nailed both aspects, setting up Ziaire Williams for a dunk.
Shortly after, the Blazers opted for a more traditional pick-and-roll coverage. This time, Thiero rolled hard to the rim and caught the lob for an athletic finish.
“He did great,” Walker Kessler said of Thiero. “Obviously, we value Adou a lot. He’s a very physical player. Really talented, athletic player. I mean, that lob he caught is very, very impressive. He had a really good debut for the season.”
Thiero’s athleticism is unparalleled on the roster — and among the elites of the elite in the league as a whole — and offers the Lakers a different dynamic. Thiero as a screener and roller won’t always work as it did on Friday, but his athleticism and activity level will continue to jump off the screen.
The Lakers’ hope now is that he can stay healthy and start to stack positive performances in the regular season.
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mercedes has a chance to clinch the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship if results go their way in Sunday’s São Paulo Grand Prix.
However, with wet weather in the forecast, fans could be in for a chaotic race once the lights go out tomorrow.
Kimi Antonelli was fastest in FP2 on Friday, and was just 0.082 seconds off the pace set by McLaren’s Lando Norris during the first hour of practice, as Mercedes again showed strong one-lap pace over the first two practice sessions. That could bode well for the Silver Arrows during today’s qualifying session, as qualifying simulations show Mercedes is indeed the team to beat for pole position, with Red Bull and Ferrari just behind them.
Race pace is a much different story, as F1’s simulations indicate that while Mercedes is still in the lead, Red Bull is just 0.03 seconds off their pace, with McLaren 0.07 seconds off the pace, and Ferrari 0.10 seconds off the pace.
Adding more intrigue is a double dose of grid drops and weather. George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen are all taking grid penalties for new engine components, with Verstappen set to start the São Paulo Grand Prix from the back of the grid while Russell takes a five-place penalty.
And with Sunday’s forecast calling for rain, anything can happen when the lights go out … as is often the case at Interlagos.
So who will take pole position? Find out with us as qualifying for the São Paulo Grand Prix gets rolling at 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Saturday!
São Paulo GP provisional grid
Here is the provisional grid for the São Paulo Grand Prix, which will be filled in throughout the hour.
Row
Position
Driver
Team
Position
Driver
Team
Row 1
1
2
Row 2
3
4
Row 3
5
6
Row 4
7
8
Row 5
9
10
Row 6
11
12
Row 7
13
14
Row 8
15
16
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
Row 9
17
Franco Colapinto
Alpine
18
Pierre Gasly
Alpine
Row 10
19
Lance Stroll
Aston Martin
20
Valtteri Bottas
Cadillac
Row 11
21
Sergio Pérez
Cadillac
22
Gabriel Bortoleto
Audi
Note: These are the provisional results. Several drivers — including Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen — will take a grid drop tomorrow due to power unit changes.
São Paulo GP qualifying
Here is how the qualifying hour unfolded. All updates are in Eastern time.
Q2
2:59: Some drivers are making the switch to Inters. Russell, Lawson, Hadjar, Alonso, Câmara, and Bearman so far.
2:57: Halfway through Q2 and Câmara, Lindblad, Sainz, Bearman, Albon, and Verstappen are the six in the drop zone. Lindblad has parked up, reporting a problem, and is stopped at Turn 5.
2:52: Russell reports that the conditions could be ripe for intermediates, but the full wet tires are performing “quote ok.”
2:49: Looks like Max is done, he’s out of the car. Makes sense given that he is facing a grid drop, no sense taking any risks with these conditions.
2:48: Replays showing Câmara’s big spin in Q1, but he somehow is able to continue.
2:45: Norris, Russell, Verstappen, Hamilton, Hülkenberg, Hadjar, Lawson, Alonso, Leclerc, Antonelli, Piastri, Lindblad, Câmara, Sainz, Bearman, and Albon are the 16 through to Q2, in that order.
Q1
2:44: Colapinto, Gasly, Stroll, Bottas, Pérez, and Bortoleto are the six eliminated at the end of Q1. Câmara gets through on debut in P13.
2:43: Bottas cannot get through, he’s in P18 at the checkered flag.
2:41: Bortoleto is out after that incident. Pérez, Sainz, Stroll, Bottas, and Colapinto also in the drop zone as the clock approaches zero.
2:39: Camara gets to P12, Alonso in P4. This is going to be chaos at the end of Q1.
2:38: Bearman goes P1 with 4:30 left.
2:37: Five minutes left in Q1 and the drivers in the drop zone are: Stroll, Colapinto, Bearman, Antonelli, Bortoleto, and Camara.
2:35: Bottas is back up to P5.
2:35: Bortoleto finds the barrier, but he keeps the car moving so he is not out just yet.
2:34: Bottas jumps back to P7. Track is drying ever so slightly.
2:33: Alonso goes P1 for the moment with a 1:36.930. Stunning to do that in that absolute tractor of a car, even in the wet.
2:31: Verstappen goes P1 with a 1:37.932.
2:31: So much for that Hülkenberg goes P1 with a 1:40.512.
2:30: Bottas goes P1 with a 1:42.314. Pérez then nips him with a 1:40.881. Cadillac on the front row nobody move.
2:28: “A lot of aquaplaning” is the report from Gasly. “Aquaplaning everywhere,” says Alonso.
2:27: Green light, Bottas leads them out.
2:26: However … rain is picking up. “It’s pretty heavy out there,” reports Piastri from pit lane.
2:24: After a very long delay, the session is about to resume. Cars are lining up on the full wet tires.
1:31: Safety Car now heading out.
1:31: This does not sound encouraging:
1:22: Medical Car on the track assessing conditions.
1:18: Bearman has been given a formal reprimand by the stewards.
1:17: Bearman under investigation for reversing in the pit lane.
1:12: It’s wet everywhere, apparently:
1:08: Audi tells Hülkenberg that they expect the rain to last for around ten minutes.
1:03: Red flag. Session stopped.
1:02: “I’m already aquaplaning,” says Antonelli.
1:01: Green light in Interlagos, but a few drivers have pulled over in pit lane, perhaps to make the change to the full wet tires.
12:59: Whole lotta inters on the cars as the drivers queue up for the start of Q1.
12:57: Rain has returned, Red Bull tells Hadjar “rain is coming” and that early in Q1 could be the “best part of the session.”
12:53: James Hinchcliffe’s prediction for quali? “Chaos.”
Chris Medland goes with Antonelli to take pole.
12:41: Great segment with Lindblad on the pre-qualifying show, including a discussion of his special Diwali-themed helmet for the weekend.
12:30: If you’re looking to chat during qualifying, we have our game thread up and running on the SB Nation app as well as the F1 community on SBNation.com.
12:29: Confirmation that Hamilton will be at the back of the grid after a power unit change:
Following today’s FP3 session, the power unit fitted to car #44 was removed for further checks. After completing our analysis, we have decided to replace the entire power unit. Lewis will take part in qualifying but will have to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid. pic.twitter.com/PjV22uOCvD
Predicting every 2026 NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal matchup
Photo by Jay Biggerstaff/NWSL via Getty Images | NWSL via Getty Images
The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs begin Friday, Nov. 6. The eight best teams from the regular season earned a postseason berth and look to make a run to glory before the calendar ticks over to December.
Who advances? We predict all four quarterfinals.
San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals
The Wave comes into the playoffs as the clear favorite after taking their game to another level this season. San Diego is defensively strong thriving with the ball at their feet. Their passing as well is excellent. If an opponent presents a low block, they can break it down and also attack in quick transitions.
Moreover, after seeing the teams’ availability for this matchup, San Diego has a healthier roster giving a slight edge over the Royals.
In the case of Utah, they tend to press aggressively and can be dangerous on set pieces. The Royals can also be a very frustrating team to play against because they’re capable of defending compactly.
The problem for Utah is that the Wave have the necessary tools to break them down. Added to the fact that many of their pivotal players, Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka, are questionable for the quarterfinals.
San Diego’s ability to control possession without becoming vulnerable defensively will be the difference maker.
Prediction: San Diego advances
Kansas City Current vs. Angel City
This is maybe the most anticipated matchup in the quarterfinals.
In one corner, there’s the dangerous attack of Kansas City Current. Given their strength in transition, and their undefeated record at home, the No. 4 seed is favored coming into the game.
On the other side, Angel City is full of confidence after a 10-match unbeaten streak. Their aggressive pressing and improved midfield organization gives them belief that they can stop Temwa Chawinga and company.
If Angel City loses, it’ll come down to their vulnerability on quick counters when there’s too much space to exploit or because they’re playing risky passes that can lead to dangerous turnovers. If they managed to escape CPKC Stadium unscathed, it could be because they disrupted the home team with effective pressure in the midfield.
Both teams have the weapons to hurt one another, although Kansas has the upper hand. However, this game has the potential to produce an upset.
Prediction: Angel City advances
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign
This quarterfinal has all the makings of a lopsided result.
Gotham boasts a strong defensive record, squad depth, strong home record and home advantage. Not to mention, the 2026 NWSL Shield winners beat Seattle twice this year already.
Seattle is certainly comfortable defending deep and can make games difficult and low-scoring. Despite losing both regular season matchups, the Reign scored twice in one which should give the team belief in a playoff atmosphere.
However, Seattle won’t be able to count on Maddie Dahlien for this difficult game. Jess Fishlock, who, in her 14 seasons with Seattle, has carried her team many times and made the impossible happen. In what potentially could be her last dance, she will give everything she has and more to take the Reign to the semifinals. The question is whether that will be enough.
Prediction: Gotham advances
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
Washington might be the better side on paper, but their late-season form has been inconsistent. They’ve also had to deal with departures and injuries, with Hal Hershfelt the latest.
On the pitch, they can struggle to progress the ball through central areas. However, the Spirit still have great players who can decide games in an instant. Among them are Leicy Santos, who’s back after almost two months out, and, of course, Trinity Rodman. The team’s defensive structure is also better than Portland’s.
What about the Thorns? Their weakest area is in defense. They have also shown limited pressing and counter-pressing, plus a reduction in midfield creativity since Olivia Moultrie got injured.
Yet, they have Sophia Wilson, who can decide matches herself. Additionally, they have several attacking pieces that can score from long range, such as Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver or Marie Müller. Another strength is Jessie Fleming in the midfield, who has partnered up pretty well with Nina Nijstad.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Skips Media After Heat Loss To Warriors
Giannis Antetokounmpo skipped his media availability after the Miami Heat’s loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. The defeat followed a rough trip, as plane issues kept the Heat from reaching their hotel until around 3 a.m., league sources told The Athletic.
The game was the second of a back-to-back following an overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State entered the game with two days of rest.
Stephen Curry scored 29 points for the Warriors, while Yaxel Lendeborg added 17 points and six assists.
Antetokounmpo’s rare decision to avoid reporters comes amid mounting frustration for the 3-6 Heat. Defense has been the biggest problem for the Heat, which was expected to be a strong part of their team.
Despite a roster featuring Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, Miami ranks 26th in defensive rating at 117.5 points allowed per 100 possessions.
That would be the worst mark of Erik Spoelstra’s tenure, which began in 2008. His previous low came in 2014-15, when Miami ranked 21st. The Heat have finished in the top 10 in eight of his 18 seasons, including five top-five finishes.
Spoelstra addressed the defensive struggles before the game.
“Everybody has been saying the right things, and everybody wants it to look right,” said Spoelstra. “There was nothing coming out of training camp or preseason that would have shown this (kind of) start. We thought we were building all the right habits, and the reality is this league can be humbling. And I throw myself in there as well.
“We have a lot of guys with resumes, but resumes and a piece of paper don’t defend. It has to be actions. It has to be five people working together where you’re really putting your effort out there and on the same page. Being on the (same) page is just as important as the efforts.”
Tyran Stokes, Stefan Joksimovic Lead ESPN’s Early 2027 NBA Draft Big Board
Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes opens the college basketball season atop ESPN’s early 2027 NBA draft big board. NBA teams view the class as less talented than recent vintages, and there is no consensus No. 1 pick.
The 6-foot-8 Stokes is a do-it-all perimeter talent who can take over games on both ends. Evaluators want to see better efficiency, consistency and maturity, along with improved decision-making and jump shooting.
Baskonia’s Stefan Joksimovic ranks second after leading Slovenia to gold at the under-18 EuroBasket. BYU’s Bruce Branch III, Arkansas’ Jordan Smith Jr. and Arizona’s Caleb Holt round out the top five.
Teams consider this year’s freshman class weaker than recent groups. The lack of quality freshman depth leaves room for older prospects, such as Arizona’s Motiejus Krivas and Florida’s Thomas Haugh, to climb the board.
The changing college landscape is also reshaping the draft. Division I programs can now pay top players well above the slot value of a first-round pick. The new fifth year of eligibility is expected to thin out the second round.
The 2027 draft will be the first under the NBA’s new lottery rules designed to reduce tanking incentives. The worst teams can now fall outside the top 10, while play-in teams gain more upward mobility.
ESPN’s Early 2027 NBA Draft Big Board:
1. Tyran Stokes: SF/PG, Kansas 2. Stefan Joksimovic: PG, Baskonia 3. Bruce Branch III: SG/SF, BYU 4. Jordan Smith Jr.: SG/PG, Arkansas 5. Caleb Holt: SG/PG, Arizona 6. Quentin Coleman: SG/PG, Illinois 7. Motiejus Krivas: C, Arizona 8. Braylon Mullins: SG, UConn 9. Thomas Haugh: SF/PF, Florida 10. Patrick Ngongba II: C, Duke 11. Ivan Kharchenkov: SF, Arizona 12. Obinna Ekezie Jr.: C, Louisville 13. Austin Goosby: SG/PG, Texas 14. Malachi Moreno: C, Kentucky 15. JJ Andrews: SG/SF, Arkansas 16. Anthony Thompson: SF/PF, Ohio State 17. Sayon Keita: C, North Carolina 18. Dame Sarr: SG/SF, Duke 19. Amari Allen: SF, Alabama 20. Alijah Arenas: SG, USC 21. Jason Crowe Jr.: SG/PG, Missouri 22. Alex Condon: PF/C, Florida 23. Caleb Gaskins: PF/SF, Miami 24. Brandon McCoy: SG, Michigan 25. Miikka Muurinen: PF, Arkansas 26. Colben Landrew: SG/SF, UConn 27. Christian Collins: SF, USC 28. Hugo Yimga-Moukouri: SF, Nanterre 29. Luigi Suigo: C, Villanova 30. Tyler Tanner: PG, Vanderbilt 31. Cameron Williams: PF, Duke 32. David Mirkovic: PF/SF, Illinois 33. Abdou Toure: SG, Arkansas 34. Miles Sadler: PG, West Virginia 35. Dash Daniels: PG/SG, South East Melbourne 36. Billy Richmond III: SG/SF, Arkansas 37. Baba Oladotun: SG/SF, Maryland 38. Matt Able: SG, North Carolina 39. Trey McKenney: SG, Michigan 40. Najai Hines: C, UConn 41. Milan Momcilovic: PF, Kentucky 42. Juke Harris: SG, Tennessee 43. Jeremy Fears Jr.: PG, Michigan State 44. Tounde Yessoufou: SF, St. John’s 45. Davis Fogle: SG, Gonzaga 46. Cheickh Niang: SG, Trento 47. Rueben Chinyelu: C, Florida 48. Shelton Henderson: SG/SF, Miami 49. Amare Bynum: PF, Ohio State 50. Nik Khamenia: SF/PF, UConn 51. Miles Byrd: SG/SF, Providence 52. Joseph Tugler: PF/C, Houston 53. Moustapha Thiam: C, Michigan 54. Eric Reibe: PF/C, USC 55. Cameron Houindo: PF, Cedevita Olimpija 56. Michael Ruzic: PF/C, LSU 57. Stefan Vaaks: SG/PG, Illinois 58. Pryce Sandfort: SG/SF, Nebraska 59. Andrej Stojakovic: SG/SF, Illinois 60. Paul McNeil Jr.: SG, NC State 61. David Punch: F, Texas 62. Matas Vokietaitis: C, Texas 63. Johann Grunloh: C, Virginia 64. Cayden Boozer: PG, Duke 65. Flory Bidunga: C, Louisville 66. John Blackwell: SG, Duke 67. Neo Avdalas: SF, North Carolina 68. Daniel Jacobsen: C, Purdue 69. Massamba Diop: C, Gonzaga 70. Jacob Cofie: PF, USC 71. Xavier Edmonds: PF, TCU 72. Nolan Winter: PF/C, Wisconsin 73. Jaden Toombs: C, SMU 74. Sam Lewis: SG, Virginia 75. Collin Chandler: SG, BYU 76. Jayden Ross: SG/SF, UConn 77. Dillan Shaw: SG/SF, Arizona State 78. Bryson Tiller: PF, Missouri 79. KJ Lewis: SG, USC 80. Tomislav Ivisic: C, Illinois 81. Zvonimir Ivisic: C, Illinois 82. Pharrel Payne: C, Maryland 83. Tre Singleton: SF, Iowa State 84. Jalen Haralson: SF, Tennessee 85. Elliot Cadeau: PG, Michigan 86. Tahaad Pettiford: PG, Auburn 87. Amani Hansberry: PF, Virginia Tech 88. Robert Wright III: PG, BYU 89. Nigel James Jr.: PG, Marquette 90. Kanon Catchings: SF, Georgia 91. Kayden Mingo: PG/SG, Baylor 92. Braden Huff: PF/C, Gonzaga 93. Mouhamed Faye: PF/C, Paris Basket 94. Pavle Backo: C, OKK Beograd 95. Marc-Owen Fodzo Dada: PG/SG, ASVEL 96. JT Toppin: PF/C, Texas Tech 97. Aiden Tobiason: SG/SF, Syracuse 98. Mason Falslev: Utah State 99. Kwame Evans Jr.: PF, Villanova 100. Paulius Murauskas: PF, Arizona State
Bron AI, a sports-gambling app, put out the ad Wednesday. In it, an AI version of James can be seen placing bets on NBA outcomes.
The ad, which has already been taken down on X, never showed James’ face in AI, but showed a basketball player who looked a lot like James from behind. The player in the ad was wearing a No. 23 jersey that read “Bron” on the back, making it an exceptionally obvious reference to James.
Exclusive: LeBron James sent a cease and desist to the Bron AI sports betting app for this ad that evokes his name and uses his likeness without authorization.
In the cease and desist letter, which was obtained by Front Office Sports, James’ attorneys make it clear James “neither approved any use and/or exploitation of, nor authorized or granted permission” to his name or likeness being used in the ad.
Additionally, James’ attorneys pointed out that the 76ers star already has an “exclusive endorsement arrangement” with Polymarket and that the Bron AI ad appeared to show James’ character placing bets on NBA games, which is “a very serious violation of NBA rules and regulations.”
James is, apparently, not the only NBA star to issue a cease and desist letter to the company. James’ former teammate, Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, reportedly also asked the company to stop using his likeness. Dončić’s picture was used in the ad. Pictures of other athletes, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayden Daniels, Christian McCaffrey and Donovan Mitchell also appeared in the ad.
Given the egregious nature of the violation, Bron AI quickly pulled the ad from social media. It’s unclear whether the company will face further backlash for the stunt.
Photo by Alex Goodlett/NWSL via Getty Images | NWSL via Getty Images
The National Women’s Soccer League regular season is over and only eight teams remain in contention for the championship.
From now on, errors can be costly and individual performances could be the difference between a semifinal berth and early elimination. Each team will need its star to shine but they will also need veterans, creative midfielders and their most staunch defenders to step up.
These eight will be the difference makers in the playoffs.
Midge Purce – Gotham
Midge Purce continues to make an impact no matter where she plays . Once Jordyn Dudley’s season-ending injury was confirmed on Oct. 1, coach Juan Carlos Amorós decided to move her further forward from right back to right wing.
Midge Purce sends a ball to Guro Reiten to get Gotham FC ahead on Decision Day! 💪 pic.twitter.com/4QCbbfGhsn
The change worked and Purce ended up being involved in both goals Gotham scored on Decision Day en route to their first NWSL Shield.
She can contribute defensively, operate higher up the pitch and create opportunities for her teammates.
Haley Hopkins – Kansas City Current
Even though Temwa Chawinga has become the synonym for attacking threat when it comes to the Kansas City Current, there’s another player on the roster with strong G/A output that hasn’t been getting the same amount of plaudits.
The striker has 16 goal contributions this season (12 goals, four assists). She’s peaking at the right time with seven of those goals have been scored in the late part of the season.
Her late-season resurgence comes after an almost two-month drought and couldn’t come at a better time for KC.
Leicy Santos – Washington Spirit
Leicy Santos spent more than two months off the field due to hip and foot injuries.
On Oct. 17, the day of her return, coach Adrián González praised her passing, defensive effort and ability to influence the match despite her lengthy absence.
Washington can consider itself lucky getting one of their most important creators back just in time. Not only that, she’s also a weapon on set pieces. If Washington is to make a deep run, Santos could be the moments player to deliver.
Kenza Dali – San Diego Wave
San Diego’s midfield maestro has become one of the most important players for the club in the last couple of years. Kenza Dali not only brings international experience but also composure and an ability to control the tempo.
The team’s passing ability and vision has been praised this season with Dali leading the way. Those two qualities in her game have allowed her to create consistent opportunities in the final third for her team.
Kenza Dali whipped in a free kick and it glanced off Kennedy Wesley’s head for San Diego’s second ✌️ pic.twitter.com/fDKO1dcYcf
Dali’s ability to dictate possession and break defensive lines could prove crucial in their next game against Utah and in pursuit for their first title.
Sarah Gorden – Angel City
If you’re looking for defensive consistency and leadership, that’s Sarah Gorden.
She’s been a rock in the team’s backline, having started 28 games this season. Gorden and Angel City return to the playoffs this year for the first time since 2023.
Gorden made NWSL Best XI squads in August and September registering 24 blocks, 34 interceptions and 141 recoveries. She’s a big reason why Angel City kept nine clean sheets in 2026.
Given their quarterfinal matchup with Kansas City, Gorden must keep her defense organized, snuff out any danger and remain switched on at all times given the Current’s star attackers.
Kate Del Fava – Utah Royals
Consistency pays off. Or at least that’s the case with Kate Del Fave who, at 28 years old, not only debuted with the USWNT last October but also will play her first-ever NWSL playoff match.
She’s also part of a select group of eight players who have played every single minute this season. Which in her case is more impressive when you find out the defender has done so in three consecutive seasons.
Introducing the NWSL Iron Women Class of ‘26!!!! 💪
Del Fava can be an aerial threat on set pieces, having scored twice this season, with both headers coming from corners.
With 40 interceptions, 33 tackles and 84% passing acccuracy, Del Fava has been a reliable presence in Utah’s backline. As the team prepares to play their first-ever playoff quarterfinal against San Diego, her defensive leadership could prove crucial given the Royals are having a hard time finding the back of the net currently.
Jordyn Bugg – Seattle Reign
At 20 years old, Jordyn Bugg has established herself as one of the most promising defenders in the NWSL.
This year has been a continuation of what she started in 2025 when she became the youngest finalist for NWSL Defender of the Year and earned a place in the league’s Best XI Second Team.
Moreover, she scored the goal that earned the Reign the last spot in the playoffs.
Bugg’s total defensive contributions are behind only Phoebe McClernon (194 to 278). She and the Seattle defense will be tested in the quarterfinals against Gotham. Bugg will need to demonstrate the composure and defensive awareness that have made her an emerging talent in the league.
Caiya Hanks – Portland Thorns
Despite having played only 11 games this season, Caiya Hanks has claimed a place in the Thorns’ starting XI.
She came back from an ACL injury on Aug. 15, and played just a handful of minutes. However, Hanks made her presence felt and made sure no one would forget it when she scored an absolute banger for the winning goal against Orlando Pride.
Caiya Hanks scores her first goal since her return from an ACL injury, and it’s a CRUCIAL one for Portland! ☄️ pic.twitter.com/aS97GJL4Jk
Hanks has been increasing her minutes ever since always looking to break lines. The left winger is peaking at the right time and, although she hasn’t scored more than two goals, she’s one of the most effective carriers and dribblers on the team.
Hornets' Kon Knueppel to make season debut Wednesday vs. Nets following hamstring injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Kon Knueppel will make his season debut Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets, the team announced.
The second-year sharpshooter has yet to play this season due to a strained left hamstring. Knueppel suffered the injury during “offseason on-court activity,” the Hornets said in September. He sat out all of the preseason and the team’s first eight games.
The 21-year-old Knueppel was initially listed as probable for the Nets game before receiving an upgrade in status hours before tip-off.
Knueppel finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year balloting last season after challenging 2025 No. 1 overall pick and eventual winner Cooper Flagg by averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Selected No. 4 overall out of Duke in the 2025 NBA Draft, he led the league by making 273 3-pointers and shooting 43% on 673 attempts.
He helped the Hornets improve to 44-38 and earn a spot in the NBA play-in tournament as the No. 9 seed, turning around from the league’s third-worst record at 19-63 in 2024-25.
This season, Charlotte is off to a 3-5 start and have dropped four in a row heading into Wednesday’s matchup in Brooklyn.
Knicks Injury Tracker: Josh Hart listed as out for Wednesday's game vs. Bulls due to right ankle soreness
Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players…
Nov. 4, 2:10 p.m.
The Knicks have ruled Josh Hart out for the team’s game against the Bulls on Wednesday due to right ankle soreness he suffered in the team’s win against the Nets on Monday.
This is the first game Hart will miss this season and the second Knick to not be available due to an injury after bench guard Jose Alvarado missed four games with an ankle injury.
Following Wednesday’s game, the Knicks have a few days off before New York heads to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Nov. 3, 8:40 p.m.
The Knicks are listing Josh Hart as questionable for Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls due to right ankle soreness.
Hart has played in all seven of New York’s games this season, averaging 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists over 31.7 minutes per contest.
As per usual, Hart filled up the box score in Monday’s win over the Nets with eight points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals.
Additionally, Chicago (1-6) is listing big men Nic Claxton (hamstring) as questionable and Jalen Smith (left finger sprain) as probable for the game.
Nov. 2, 6:00 p.m.
Jose Alvarado is back.
Head coach Mike Brown said the point guard will play Monday night against the Nets.
He has missed the past four games due to an ankle injury, having played just twice this season.
Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Jose Alvarado is officially listed as questionable for the Knicks’ home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Alvarado has averaged 13.5 minutes per game across two contests this year, with five assists to four turnovers so far.
Oct. 28, 2:30 p.m.
Jose Alvarado has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game against the Bulls in Chicago. This will mark the third straight game that the Knicks’ backup point guard has missed due to an ankle sprain.
In Alvarado’s absence, the Knicks have used Tyler Kolek more off the bench.
During Sunday’s loss against the Magic, Kolek had zero points on 0-for-4 shooting, but came down with three rebounds and nine assists in his 15 minutes on the court. In Tuesday’s win over the Pistons at MSG, the guard had two points, one rebound, three assists and two steals in his 11 minutes, helping the Knicks to their first win of the season.
Oct. 27, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado will miss his second straight game with an ankle sprain as he will not feature for New York on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Alvarado last played in the team’s 107-103 loss against the Boston Celtics on Friday and struggled on the court during his 11 minutes of action.
He scored just two points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but he turned the ball over three times and finished as a minus-10.
Alvarado fared better in the season-opener, scoring eight points with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and was a plus-6 in 16 minutes.
Oct. 25, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado popped up on New York’s injury report on Saturday and has now been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Orlando Magic with a left ankle sprain, according to head coach Mike Brown in his pregame press conference.
The backup point guard is the lone Knicks player to appear on the injury report.
Dumont family takes full control of Mavericks, buying Miriam Adelson's shares
Patrick and Sivan Dumont have formally become the controlling owners of the Dallas Mavericks after purchasing Miriam Adelson’s shares of the franchise last month, a story broken by Tim MacMahon of ESPN. The Dumonts now own 69% of the Mavericks.
While this is a change at the top, it should have little day-to-day impact, as Patrick Dumont has served as team governor and been the acting owner on the ground since the day Mark Cuban sold the team to the Dumonts and Adelsons. Here is what Dumont told ESPN:
“It’s really about long-term investment in the city of Dallas,” Dumont told ESPN on Tuesday. “The Dumont family is really committed to building what we hope is the best arena in the NBA, a really significant investment in the city that will help create the new 40-year home for the Dallas Mavericks, a great experience for our fans and inspire our team to win championships. That’s really what we’re focused on. We had the opportunity, and we’re really excited about it.”
As Cuban said when he sold his majority share of the team, the NBA has become a real estate business, and what Dumont is looking to build is not just a new arena but the anchor of a much larger development. That is the trend with professional sports franchises in general, including the Dallas Cowboys.
Dumont, the Las Vegas Sands Co. CEO, has experience with building and development. He didn’t have experience as an NBA owner when he took over the team, and that position comes with a learning curve (a longer one for some than others). Dumont became a villain early in his ownership of the Mavericks when he approved the controversial trade of Luka Doncic to the Lakers, which led to severe backlash from fans in Dallas. Dumont told ESPN’s MacMahon he learned from those experiences.
“The most important thing every day is just trying to work harder to get better,” Dumont said. “It’s something that really applies in life, but it’s something that really applies to here. It’s been an experience as a new owner in the league. Dallas is a great sports city. I think we have the best fans in the NBA, very passionate, and it’s my job to make sure that we win and that we support our fans. I’m really focused on that. I’ve learned that there are a lot of things you can do — sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t — but you’ve got to keep pushing, got to keep going.”
Dumont made changes in the front office, bringing in Masai Ujiri to run the show, then Ujiri fired coach Jason Kidd to bring in Dusty May. Dumont spent millions to upgrade the team’s practice facilities. All of this with the idea of trying to maximize the team around Cooper Flagg, who in his second NBA season is looking elite and like an All-NBA player already. The new arena will ultimately be remembered as the one Cooper built.
