NBA 101

How to watch Pistons vs Raptors: Live stream NBA, TV channel

The Detroit Pistons (2-1) face the Toronto Raptors (2-2) at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night in NBA preseason action.

How to Watch Pistons vs Raptors

• When: Friday, October 16, 2026

• Time: 7:00 PM ET

• TV Channel: The Spot – Detroit 20 (WMYD), The Spot – Grand Rapids 17

• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Detroit enters its preseason finale following a convincing 128-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Jalen Duren led the Pistons with 24 points in just 15 minutes, shooting 8-for-9 from the field and making all eight of his free throws. Duncan Robinson added 15 points and six rebounds, while Cade Cunningham contributed 14 points and nine assists. Detroit shot 57% from the field and dominated the paint, outscoring Minnesota 64-30 in that area.

Toronto is coming off a narrow 122-120 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday, snapping its momentum after a 148-98 victory over New York earlier in the week. Scottie Barnes paced the Raptors with 23 points, four assists and four blocks, connecting on four of his five three-point attempts. RJ Barrett contributed 21 points and eight rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley finished with 18 points and seven assists. Toronto scored 41 points in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell short of completing the comeback.

Live stream Pistons vs Raptors on Fubo: Start your free trial now!

How to watch Bulls vs Timberwolves: Live stream NBA, TV channel

The Chicago Bulls (2-2) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (3-2) at the United Center on Friday night in NBA preseason action.

How to Watch Bulls vs Timberwolves

• When: Friday, October 16, 2026

• Time: 8:00 PM ET

• TV Channel: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)

• Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Chicago enters its preseason finale following a commanding 125-104 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Matas Buzelis led the Bulls with 19 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and connecting on five of his seven three-point attempts. Norman Powell contributed 16 points, while Josh Giddey finished with six points, nine assists and five rebounds. Chicago built a 62-39 halftime advantage and forced 30 Milwaukee turnovers, using its defensive pressure and balanced scoring to secure the comfortable win.

Minnesota looks to rebound after suffering a 128-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 20 points, while Jonathan Kuminga added 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Minnesota jumped out to a 38-29 lead after the first quarter but struggled to contain Detroit’s offense over the next two periods. The Timberwolves will look to improve their defensive consistency as they conclude their six-game preseason schedule before the regular season begins.

Live stream Bulls vs Timberwolves on Fubo: Start your free trial now!

WNBA All-Defense teams announced, and two teams are well-represented

The WNBA has announced its All-Defense teams, and six players participating in the WNBA Finals will be represented: three from the Golden State Valkyries and three from the Atlanta Dream.

The All-Defense First Team is headlined by Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream), Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries), and A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces). Reese was also awarded Defensive Player of the Year.

The All-Defense Second Team includes Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries), Jordin Canada (Atlanta Dream), Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and Kiah Stokes (Golden State Valkyries).

Introducing your 2026 WNBA All-Defensive Teams!

FIRST TEAM
🏀Shakira Austin
🏀Rhyne Howard
🏀Angel Reese
🏀Gabby Williams
🏀A’ja Wilson

SECOND TEAM
🏀Veronica Burton
🏀Jordin Canada
🏀Sonia Citron
🏀Breanna Stewart
🏀Kiah Stokes pic.twitter.com/sfQUFEeK2b

— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) October 15, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream are well-represented

The Valkyries (99.3), Dream (103.5), and Mystics (104) had the three best defensive ratings in the WNBA this past season; all three teams are well-represented with at least two players on the All-Defense teams. Only Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson hail from defenses that were not top-four in the league.

Williams and Wilson get their second straight First Team All-Defense nod, while Burton and Stewart get their second straight Second Team All-Defense nod. Howard earns First Team honors after earning Second Team honors last season. Austin, Reese, Citron, and Stokes all made the All-Defense team for the first time in their career, while Canada earns her first honor since 2023.

So, when the WNBA Finals tip off on Saturday, some of the game’s best defenders will take the court.

Guardians-Rays ALCS schedule, scores, prediction, and more

The Cleveland Guardians were staring elimination in the face.

But after a comeback for the ages, they are now just four wins away from the World Series.

Cleveland dropped the first two games of the ALDS to the Chicago White Sox, but the Guardians won three straight games to clinch the series, booking a spot in the ALCS. Now they’ll take on the Tampa Bay Rays, the top seed in the American League side of the playoff bracket.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 ALCS.

ALCS schedule and scores

Here is the full schedule for the ACLS between the Guardians and the Rays. All times listed are Eastern.

ALCS Game 1: Monday, October 2

Guardians 7, Rays 3 (Guardians lead series 1-0)

ALCS Game 2: Tuesday, October 13

Rays 3, Guardians 1 (Series tied 1-1)

ALCS Game 3: Thursday, October 15

Guardians 3, Rays 2 (Guardians lead series 2-1)

ALCS Game 4: Friday, October 16

Rays at Guardians, 6:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max

Note: If the NLCS ends in a sweep, then ALCS Game 4 would move to 8:00 p.m.

ALCS Game 5: Saturday, October 17*

Rays at Guardians, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max

ALCS Game 6: Monday, October 19*

Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max

Note: If the NLCS ends after six games, then ALCS Game 6 would move to 8:00 p.m.

ALCS Game 7: Tuesday, October 20*

Guardians at Rays, 8:00 p.m., TBS, truTV, and HBO Max

* If necessary

What happened in the regular season?

The season series between Cleveland and Tampa Bay was a rather one-sided affair.

The teams met for six games, first a three-game set in Cleveland in April, and then another three-game set in Tampa Bay in July.

In the first series, Tampa Bay took the first two games, a 3-2 win to open the series and then a 1-0 win thanks to a strong start from Nick Martinez on the bump. The only run came off the bat of Jonathan Aranda, whose fifth-inning single brought home Taylor Walls.

When the teams met again in July, it was all Tampa Bay, and the Rays won a few different ways. Tampa Bay took the opening game of the set 11-3, getting home runs from Ryan Vilade and Richie Palacios. The second game of that series was closer, but Tampa Bay won 3-0 as again the Rays got a strong start from Martinez, who turned the game over to the bullpen after six scoreless innings and the relievers shut the door.

Then in the final game of that series, Tampa Bay took a 1-0 win as the trio of Drew Rasmussen, Garrett Cleavinger, and Bryan Baker held the Guardians to just one hit.

So on the season, the Rays won five of the six meetings.

ALCS prediction

Things could not be set up better for the Rays.

While the Guardians needed five games to get by the White Sox, taxing the entire pitching staff and setting up a tough decision for manager Stephen Vogt when it comes to a Game 1 starter. Gavin Williams probably has to wait until Game 3, and Parker Messick probably cannot take the bump until Game 2.

Meanwhile the Rays are coming off a sweep of the New York Yankees and have Rasmussen, their ace, in line to start Game 1 on extra rest, and then likely Game 4. That gives Tampa Bay a chance to have him on the hill for three games, if necessary. Plus, the Rays have Junior Caminero set to put on a show, as one of baseball’s breakout stars.

Prediction: Rays in six.

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.

Trey Jemison III Waived By Raptors From Two-Way

The Toronto Raptors have waived Trey Jemison lll.

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.

Jemison went undrafted out of UAB in 2023.

USWNT vs Spain stock report: Risers and fallers from two friendlies

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.

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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.

Ashley’s first goal since 2022 🦅

USWNT x @vw pic.twitter.com/xRuNztkgE5

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 14, 2026

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.

SWANSON SLOTS IT HOME 😤

USWNT x @vw pic.twitter.com/1EypYsaFDq

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 14, 2026

Stock Up

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.

“hangs head and sighs*

— Our Game Magazine (@ourgamemagazine.bsky.social) 2026-10-13T23:43:21.676Z

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.