Cavs’ Garland (toe) to be limited in training camp
Cavaliers G Darius Garland, who had surgery on his injured big toe, will be a limited participant in training camp and is still expected to miss at least the first month of the regular season.
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet reportedly suffers offseason ACL tear
Rockets guard Fred VanVleet reportedly suffers offseason ACL tear
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has reportedly suffered a torn ACL, per multiple reports.
Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reports that VanVleet suffered the injury during a team minicamp in the Bahamas. He is scheduled for surgery this week, and will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025-2026 season.
BREAKING: Rockets’ PG Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL, per @ShamsCharania.
VanVleet will potentially miss the whole 2025-26 season. pic.twitter.com/EbsDAnYhFw
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 22, 2025
VanVleet, a 31-year-old vet set to enter his 10th season in the league, averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists last season across 60 games. He led the Rockets in assists and steals per game, while lending a level of leadership in the locker room.
It’s a brutal blow for the Rockets, who lose their starting point guard before the season even starts. VanVleet, who signed a two-year, $50 million deal to stay with the team this offseason, was set to be another veteran starter, alongside the recently-acquired Kevin Durant, on a young Houston team.
This story will be updated.
Fantasy Basketball Guards 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats
Fantasy Basketball Guards 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats
We’re less than a month away from the start of the NBA season, which makes this a great time to go through our positional rankings at Rotoworld.
We’ll be starting in the backcourt with the guards and continuing on with forwards and centers as the week progresses.
The guard position is a vital one to figure out in fantasy basketball, though it certainly isn’t a position that is lacking talent. There are plenty of unique guards with different strengths and weaknesses that can be optimized for any team build, though last season’s MVP is alone at the top, thanks to his well-rounded, dominant statistical production. Here is how we’d value SGA and 49 other guards in fantasy basketball this season.
Availability is your most important ability, so how does that impact an SGA roster build?
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block, 2.1 three-pointers
SGA was the best guard in fantasy basketball last season, which is why he should be selected with a top-three pick in every draft. The reigning MVP is the top guard on our board due to a combination of his ability and his availability. The Thunder rotation should be the same as it was last season, which means SGA should be able to deliver a similar output. Not that any roster change would actually impact his production; he’ll continue to be one of the best offensive players in the league while also providing both steals and blocks. He posted career-highs in points, assists and three-pointers last season, and he’ll be in the mix for the top spot in fantasy basketball once again this year.
2. Luka Dončić, Los Angeles Lakers
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.8 steals, 3.5 three-pointers
Raise your hand if you accurately predicted how Doncic’s 2024-25 season would go. He missed time early on due to injuries, and then was traded to the Lakers in a move that shocked the basketball world. The last few months of their season was simply a trial run, and they made moves this offseason to better build around Doncic and LeBron James, with the signing of Deandre Ayton as the team’s lob threat down low as the main addition. Now, with an offseason to forge a team and playbook around the strengths of Doncic, the Lakers will be looking to compete for a title. With LeBron on the wrong side of 40, keeping him fresh for the playoffs is a priority, which means Doncic will be running things more often than not. He should be in for what has become a typical dominant season.
3. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, 2.1 three-pointers
It took a few seasons, but Detroit was finally able to put together a competitive roster around Cunningham, and it immediately resulted in the best season of his career. The added spacing of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. opened up driving lanes for Cade, and the development of his teammates made things easier. Plus, Cunningham made individual strides. The Pistons lost THJ in free agency, and Beasley remains unsigned, but the return of Jaden Ivey, who missed the final three months of last season with a broken leg, should help make up for the losses. There’s no reason to think Cunningham won’t continue to progress after making his first All-NBA team last season.
4. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 4.1 three-pointers
Every year, Edwards seems to take a step forward and add something new to his game. Last season, it was a three-point revolution for him, as he led the league in total threes made and increased his scoring average, which he has done every season of his career. Minnesota lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency, but the rest of the rotation should look the same, with some of the young guys making up for NAW’s departure. None of that will directly impact Edwards’ spot, and he’ll continue to carry the offensive workload for the T-wolves, which should result in a monster season for him.
5. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.4 three-pointers
To put it mildly, last season was a disaster for the Suns, but it wasn’t terrible for Booker. Sure, his field goal percentage dropped, but he was still able to average at least 25 points for the seventh consecutive season, and he set a new career-high for assists. Now, Phoenix’s “big three” experiment is over, with Kevin Durant in Houston and Bradley Beal in Los Angeles. The Suns brought back Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, but this is clearly Booker’s team. While the two newcomers will see their fair share of usage, everything is going to run through Booker under new head coach Jordan Ott. It isn’t an unfair expectation to think Booker could be in for the most productive season of his career.
6. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.9 three-pointers
Young started last season slowly, and while he did improve as the season progressed, he posted the lowest field goal percentage of his career and his fewest points per game since his rookie year. Young was one of the premier point guard options in fantasy hoops last season by providing a healthy dose of points, assists and threes while maintaining an elite free throw percentage and rate. Now, he has the most talented supporting cast of his career, headlined by the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, who is by far the best stretch five that Young has played with. It wouldn’t be shocking if Young was able to have one of the most efficient seasons of his career with more space to operate in.
7. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 24.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, 3.3 three-pointers
While the Cavs were able to put together the second 60-win season in franchise history, it wasn’t because Mitchell took a step forward. In fact, his numbers regressed across the board during the first season under Kenny Atkinson. Mitchell’s 31.4 minutes per game were a career-low, which can at least partially be attributed to the absurd amount of blowout wins the team had. They didn’t make many offseason changes, but they’ll enter the year with Darirus Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) both dealing with injuries, which should mean extra usage for Mitchell early on. He could certainly be in for a bounceback season after “only” providing third-round value in nine-category leagues last season.
8. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
Positions: PG/SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.3 blocks
When Jabari Smith Jr. went down with a left hand injury last season, Thompson stepped into a starting role with Houston and never gave it back. In just his second year, Thompson became one of the best players in fantasy basketball, and the trade to bring in Kevin Durant will only help. With Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks gone, Thompson will be the Rockets’ best defender and starting shooting guard. Durant’s presence will create more space for Thompson as a driver, and his dominance defensively should continue. Shooting will never be a strength for him, but Thompson is impactful everywhere else.
9. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, 4.4 three-pointers
Curry just keeps getting it done at a high level. He was back up over a steal per game and played at least 70 games for the second straight season. He also survived a slower start to the season (to his standards) and was better after the All-Star break. The trade deadline addition of Jimmy Butler will alleviate some of the offensive responsibility from Curry, but it also made life a little easier. This roster still has some unknowns as they try to navigate the Jonathan Kuminga saga, but nothing should drastically impact Curry’s production. This team will go as far as he takes them. They know that, and there’s nothing that could happen that will change that.
10. James Harden, LA Clippers
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 3.0 three-pointers.
Even at his age, Harden continues to get it done. He played 79 games last season, making it the second consecutive season that he played at least 70 games. He also provided second round value, which was a nice bounceback for him after he finished outside the first two rounds during the 2023-24 season for the first time in over a decade. The Clippers made some roster upgrades this offseason, but nothing should impact Harden’s place in the rotation or his usage. He figures to be among the league leaders in assists once again while still providing plenty of points, steals and threes.
11. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 26.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.8 steals, 3.1 three-pointers
There was a lot to be frustrated about in Philadelphia last season, but Maxey’s early season success wasn’t part of that. He had the best season of his career and was one of the best players in fantasy basketball from mid-December to early February. He wasn’t available much after the All-Star break, but he should be healthy to start this season. The availability of Joel Embiid is the big question mark in Philly right now, and the answer should have a large impact on how dominant Maxey can be. Regardless, Maxey will at least be the second option, and it’s hard to imagine Embiid playing more than 50-55 games, and that’s staying positive. Maxey should run this team for much of the upcoming season.
12. Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 26.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.3 three-pointers
The arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges gave the Knicks a more balanced roster, which contributed to Brunson taking nearly three fewer shots per game last season. His scoring dropped, but he made up for it with a career-high for assists. New York moved on from Tom Thibodeau this summer and hired Mike Brown to replace him. They also added more depth in the backcourt with Jordan Clarkson and Malcolm Brogdon. Brunson will still be the focal point offensively, but there’s certainly a chance he loses out on a few minutes per game. Still, he should be one of the best offensive players in the league once again, and Brown will want to take advantage of that in his first season at the helm. Expect plenty of points and assists from Brunson once again.
13. Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.5 three-pointers
The knee jerk reaction to the trade that sent Alex Caruso to the Thunder and Giddey to the Bulls was that OKC dominated the trade. While the addition of Caruso helped the Thunder win the championship last season, it doesn’t feel like a landslide deal anymore, thanks to the second-half emergence of Giddey, who was one of the best players in fantasy basketball after the All-Star break. It took a while, but they signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract in September. They didn’t give him superstar money, but he should play that role for them for the next few seasons, which means he could be in for a monster season in the box score.
14. De’Aaron Fox, San Antonio Spurs
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 23.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.9 three-pointers
Drama swirled around Sacramento early on last season, which resulted in Mike Brown being fired in December and Fox being traded to San Antonio in February. Fox only played in 17 games for the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama only being available for five of those. San Antonio also added Dylan Harper with the second pick in the draft, and while he shouldn’t impact Fox’s minutes immediately, it does put his future with the team in question, which is weird to think about, since they’ve barely had him on the roster. Still, that won’t alter this season, and Fox should be in for a big year as the lead ball handler and playmaker for the most talented Spurs team in a while. The Fox-Wemby pairing should be fun to watch and only get better as the season progresses.
15. LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 three-pointers
LaMelo played 47 games last season. While that was an improvement over his two previous seasons, it still wasn’t good enough. It’s difficult to invest a premium pick into a player that has played 105 gamesover the last three seasons, but that’s the type of talent that Ball is. Charlotte added Kon Knueppel in the draft and traded for Collin Sexton, which will provide Ball with more space to operate and scorers to pass the ball to. This team is talented enough to compete for a postseason spot in the East, but like the last few seasons, it won’t happen if Ball isn’t available to play. That’s the risk every manager will take when they consider drafting him, but if he has a healthy season, the payoff will be worth it.
16. Desmond Bane, Orlando Magic
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.4 three-pointers
Bane has been a top-40 player in nine-cat leagues for each of the last four seasons, but he’ll get a fresh start in Orlando after spending the first five seasons of his career in Memphis. Bane will immediately step into a starting spot and provide Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner with plenty of space to operate in the paint. Bane will be the third option on offense, but he should get plenty of good looks as a floor spacer while still getting the chance to orchestrate the offense. It may look different, but there’s no reason to think Bane won’t be able to replicate top-tier production for his new squad as they try to compete for the top seed in the East.
17. Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals, 1.1 three-pointers
There may not have been a better value pick last season than Daniels, who won the Most Improved Player award and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. In his first season with Atlanta, Daniels enjoyed a breakout season and led the league in steals. The Hawks added some backcourt depth this offseason in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard, but neither should impact Daniels’ place in the rotation. Daniels may not replicate his steals production from last season, but he should be among the league leaders in swipes.
18. Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 3.5 three-pointers
White ascended to fantasy stardom two years ago and was able to maintain that last season. He took slight hits across the board, but he set a new career-high for points, rebounds and three-pointers, which prevented his overall value from sinking far despite a drop in shooting percentages. Obviously, this Celtics roster is going to look quite different next season, with Jayson Tatum (Achilles) out for the season, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis gone, Al Horford likely gone, and Anfernee Simons in town. White is now the clear best defender, and he’s still one of the best offensive players, though he may not see a usage bump with both Simons and Payton Pritchard splitting point guard duties. Still, White should remain a top-tier option in fantasy basketball once again.
19. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 21.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 2.3 three-pointers
After years of injury question marks, Murray has been able to flip the narrative in recent years. His 67 games last year were the most he’s played since the 2018-19 season, and his 36.1 minutes per game were a career-high. Denver made some backcourt upgrades this offseason by bringing in Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., but neither move should have an impact on Murray’s production. Assuming Murray is able to have another healthy season, he should be in line for another strong season after finishing in the top-20 in nine-cat value last season.
20. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 20.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.8 three-pointers
Despite a slow finish to last season, Garland was still able to have a productive year, finishing in the top-50 for the third time in the last four years. It was a step up after a down year during the 2023-24 season, and he was able to address the toe issue that caused his slow finish to the year by undergoing a procedure in June. He’s expected to miss the start of the season, but it isn’t expected to be a long-term absence, though it could cause him to start the year slow.
21. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.8 three-pointers
Morant was in and out of the lineup all season for Memphis, but his 50 games played were a huge step up after only being available nine times the year before. However, his production took a hit across the board, including his minutes. The team fired Taylor Jenkins at the end of the season and made Tuomas Iisalo the full-time coach at the end of the year. Iisalo emphasized pick-and-rolls with Zach Edey way more than Jenkins did, which is something Morant had been asking for. Health will continue to be a concern for Morant, but he could certainly have the most productive season of his career.
22. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals, 2.7 three-pointers
Reaves is coming off the most productive season of his career, and he continues to improve every year. The trade for Luka Doncic didn’t slow him down; in fact, he was even better after the deal. The Lakers made some improvements this offseason, but none that will alter the backcourt rotation. Reaves will look to replicate his late-season numbers, where he was a borderline top-25 player in fantasy basketball. It seems unlikely that he does, but if he can, he’ll end up thoroughly outplaying his ADP.
23. Fred VanVleet, Houston Rockets
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 2.7 three-pointers
For years, VanVleet was a staple of the top-25 in fantasy basketball, but his production took a dramatic hit during his second season in Houston, which resulted in his worst year since the 2018-19 season. The Rockets made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by acquiring Kevin Durant, which may give VanVleet more open looks, but it likely gives him fewer opportunities and less usage. VanVleet should be better than what he turned in last season, but with all the other mouths to feed in Houston, it may be difficult for him to get back to what he once was.
24. Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 17.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 2.6 three-pointers
When Quickley was traded to the Raptors during the 2023-24 season, he was productive during the second half of that year, which led to many expecting a breakout for him last season. Unfortunately, injuries prevented that from happening. Now, he’s healthy to start this year, and he’ll be running a team that also added Brandon Ingram, who is set to make his debut for them. Quickley could be in line to have the breakout season that was expected last year, and if he does, Toronto could compete for a postseason spot.
25. Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 3.5 three-pointers
Despite a tumultuous first season in Washington, Poole was much better last year, which resulted in him posting career-highs in points, steals and three-pointers per game. That was enough for New Orleans to trade for him this offseason and task him with being the team’s point guard while Dejounte Murray recovers from an Achilles tear. Everything went wrong for the Pelicans last season, but Poole can have a productive year as the primary playmaker for a talented team. They don’t have the rights to their 2026 first-round pick, which means there’s no incentive to tank. There’s no reason to think Poole will be at risk of being a shutdown candidate if things go poorly for New Orleans again.
12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don’t look back
Starting a draft with Giannis Antetokounmpo allows you to establish your team’s strengths and weaknesses immediately.
26. Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.9 three-pointers
27. Tyler Herro, Miami Heat
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 23.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.3 three-pointers
28. Anfernee Simons, Boston Celtics
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.8 points, 0.9 steals, 3.1 three-pointers
29. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.8 steals, 3.2 three-pointers
30. Andrew Nembhard, Indiana Pacers
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 10.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.8 three-pointers
31. Coby White, Chicago Bulls
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 20.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.9 three-pointers
32. Christian Braun, Denver Nuggets
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 three-pointers
33. Jalen Green, Phoenix Suns
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.9 three-pointers
34. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.7 three-pointers
35. Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.9 steals, 3.2 three-pointers
36. Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.9 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers
37. D’Angelo Russell, Dallas Mavericks
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.9 three-pointers
38. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.4 three-pointers
39. CJ McCollum, Washington Wizards
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.8 steals, 3.1 three-pointers
40. Bradley Beal, LA Clippers
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.9 three-pointers
41. Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings
Position: SG
2024-25 stats: 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.1 three-pointers
42. Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.8 three-pointers
43. Scoot Henderson, Portland Trail Blazers
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.6 three-pointers
44. Collin Sexton, Charlotte Hornets
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.7 three-pointers
45. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists. 2.1 three-pointers
46. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
Positions: SG/SF
2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 2.0 three-pointers
47. Dennis Schröder, Sacramento Kings
Position: PG
2024-25 stats: 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.7 three-pointers
48. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.2 three-pointers
49. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Positions: SG
2024-25 stats (atBaylor): 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 1.6 three-pointers
50. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
Positions: PG/SG
2024-25 stats: 16.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.6 three-pointers
Sources: VanVleet has torn ACL, may miss season
Sources: VanVleet has torn ACL, may miss season
Rockets star point guard Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL and could potentially miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season, sources told ESPN.
Max Verstappen’s emphatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix win jolts F1 title chase
Max Verstappen’s emphatic Azerbaijan Grand Prix win jolts F1 title chase
When the Formula 1 season resumed following the Summer Shutdown, two of the major storylines facing the grid centered on McLaren: When would they clinch their second-consecutive Constructors’ Championship title, and when would either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris lock down the Drivers’ title?
However, the champagne remains on ice thanks to Max Verstappen, who can start thinking about his own title hopes after a dominant performance in Baku.
After capturing pole position in a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday that saw a record number of red flags, Verstappen went wire-to-wire on Sunday, taking the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for his second-straight win. With Piastri crashing on the opening lap, and Norris failing to capitalize after that incident and settling for a seventh-place finish, Verstappen closed to within 44 points of Norris for second place in the Drivers’ Championship, and just 69 points of championship leader Piastri.
“They’re all a bit different, but I think this weekend has been incredible for us. Of course, last weekend was already great. But yeah, for us to win here again is just fantastic,” said Verstappen trackside after the race. “And I think also in the race, the car was working really well. On both of the compounds, we had clean air all the time, and you could then look after your tyres. And yeah, it was pretty straightforward. Of course, it’s not easy around here — very windy today, so the car is always moving around a lot. But yeah, of course, incredibly happy with this performance.”
When the season resumed in late August, Norris had won three out of four grands prix, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Verstappen finished a distant ninth. At that point in the season, Piastri led Norris by just nine points, with Verstappen 97 points behind the leader.
Since then, however, Verstappen has roared back into the fight. After finishing second at the Belgian Grand Prix (won by Piastri with Norris retiring due to a failure with his MCL39), Verstappen has won both the Italian Grand Prix and now the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Those two wins have jolted the title race and put the Red Bull driver back in the mix.
With seven race weekends remaining — including a trio of F1 Sprint race weekends — Verstappen has certainly improved his chances of winning a fifth Drivers’ title.
However, math and history may not be on his side, something the living legend conceded on Sunday.
At this point last season, Verstappen enjoyed a 59-point advantage over Norris in the Drivers’ Championship race, a gap that closed to 52 points when Norris won the Singapore Grand Prix in dominant fashion.
But that was as close as the title chase got a year ago, with Verstappen eventually clinching his fourth Drivers’ Championship in Las Vegas and ultimately winning the title by 63 points.
While he is mathematically alive, as RaceFans noted via their Championship Points Calculator, even if Verstappen were to win the seven remaining grands prix — as well as the three sprint races — Piastri finishing second in each of those events would see the Australian driver through to his first title.
By a gap of 17 points.
Asked if the two recent wins have given him a “smidgen of hope” that the title is within range, Verstappen pointed to the uphill climb.
“I mean, I don’t rely on hope. But it’s seven rounds left – 69 points is a lot. So I personally don’t think about it,” said Verstappen. “I just go race by race, what I have been doing basically the whole season — just trying to do the best we can, try to score the most points that we can. And then after Abu Dhabi, we’ll know.”
Beyond the math is the history. While Monza and the Baku City Circuit have been fertile ground for Verstappen, Singapore, the site of the next race, has been a thorn in his side over his illustrious career. Verstappen has never won in Singapore, with his best finish coming a year ago when he finished second to Norris.
More than 20 seconds behind.
Verstappen noted that history on Sunday.
“Difficult to say at the moment, but for sure the last two race weekends have been amazing for us. Singapore — completely different challenge again with the high downforce. So we’ll see what we can do there,” said Verstappen trackside.
“Well, I have never won. Red Bull has won, right? We’ll see. It’s completely different. High downforce. A lot of deg on the tyres, so we’ll see what happens. I really don’t know at the moment,” added Verstappen.
Two impressive weeks have put the prospects of a fifth Verstappen title back on the table, and put the Red Bull driver into a position he has not been in since 2021: As the hunter, and not the hunted.
If his tremendous form continues through Singapore, and he breaks through with his first win in that race?
Watch out.
Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers basically beat Bengals by himself
Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers basically beat Bengals by himself
Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is just getting underway, with the games in the early Sunday window approaching halftime.
But Minnesota Vikings rookie defensive back Isaiah Rodgers might have already locked up NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
While Sunday’s game between the Vikings and the visiting Cincinnati Bengals was billed as a battle of the backups — with Carson Wentz starting in place of injured J.J. McCarthy and Jake Browning getting the start after Joe Burrow underwent surgery on his toe — Rodgers stole the show with a pair of touchdowns in the first half.
Including one of the best plays you might see this week from a defensive player.
Rodgers’ first touchdown came on this Pick Six of Browning, as he capitalized on an overthrow from the backup quarterback set in motion by pressure up front from the Vikings’ pass rush:
His second touchdown, however, required a much higher level of difficulty.
With the Bengals driving before halftime, Browning looked to tight end Noah Fant in the flat. That’s when Rodgers screamed downhill and punched the football loose from the tight end, then scooped up his own forced fumble and returned it for a stunning 66-yard touchdown:
Here is another look at the play from Rodgers, as he punches the ball loose and scores his second touchdown of the day:
As if that was not enough, Rodgers had one more forced fumble in him during the first half:
Browning, after scrambling and crossing the line of scrimmage, connects with Ja’Marr Chase on a short throw. But Rodgers punches the football loose again, with Jeff Okudah pouncing on the loose ball.
Minnesota capped off that ensuing drive with a touchdown to take a 34-3 lead into the halftime break.
The first-half effort from Rodgers made some franchise history as well:
How good has he been today?
His two touchdowns are the most scored by a Vikings player so far this season.
He basically won the game by himself:
What a day.
Nets Waive Yuri Collins
Nets Waive Yuri Collins
The Brooklyn Nets have waived Yuri Collins. Brooklyn had signed Collins to a contract guaranteed for $85,300. That amount will now go on the Nets cap sheet for the 2025-26 season.
In the last week, Brooklyn signed Collins, Dre Davis and David Muoka to similar deals worth $85,300. That is the maximum amount a player’s contract can be guaranteed for while maintaining eligibility to play for the NBA team’s G League affiliate. Collins, Davis and Muoka are all expected to play for the Long Island Nets of the G League this season.
Brooklyn has one opening on their preseason roster. NBA teams are allowed to carry up to 21 players in the offseason.
Xavier Worthy injury: What status means for Week 3 vs. Giants
Xavier Worthy injury: What status means for Week 3 vs. Giants
The Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of trouble moving the ball in their 0-2 start to the season. Last season they finished ninth in EPA per play and so far they’re at 16th. The loss of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy has truly stifled their offense so far.
Rice is suspended for six games. but Worthy separated his shoulder early in Week 1. He has decided to play through the injury while wearing a brace, but wasn’t able to return last week and is questionable to play after getting limited practices in this week. But, despite being listed as questionable on Friday, he now has been ruled out, per Ian Rapoport
Xavier Worthy injury updates
Worthy is officially out against the Giants for Week 3.
Fantasy football analysis
With Worthy out, Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce should be the first reads for Patrick Mahomes in a good matchup. Tyquan Thornton should also continue to see an uptick in work, while Noah Gray has some chance to see meaningful work as well.
Brown and Kelce are the safest fantasy plays of the group, while I’d expect they try to get Isiah Pacheco going in a good matchup. I’d expect the Chiefs to have better offensive production in their easiest matchup of the season, But none of their offensive players has much upside in a vacuum with Worthy and Rice sidelined.
12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don't look back
12-Team, 9-Cat Fantasy Basketball Mock Draft 2025-26: Take Giannis Antetokounmpo and don't look back
Another day, another mock! I joined 11 other analysts in a nine-cat, head-to-head mock draft that was hosted by Adam King on Fantrax, selecting from the fifth spot. The other unique aspect of this draft is that it had a third-round reversal, which flips the draft order after the second round.
The top four picks in every draft should be pretty much locked in, which makes the fifth pick an interesting place to start, leaving you with plenty of options.
Round 1
1. Nikola Jokic (C – DEN)
2. Victor Wembanyama (C – SA)
3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G – OKC)
4. Luka Doncic (G – LAL)
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo (F – MIL)
6. Anthony Davis (F – DAL)
7. Anthony Edwards (G – MIN)
8. Cade Cunningham (G – DET)
9. James Harden (G – LAC)
10. Trae Young (G – ATL)
11. Devin Booker (G – PHO)
12. Karl-Anthony Towns (C – NY)
To me, Giannis is the way to go, and he’s a fun player to build around, with a clear punt path. He’s dominant in a handful of categories, and his weaknesses are clear, meaning you can either try and make up for it, or lean into them. I opted to lean into his strengths by emphasizing points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goal percentage while largely disregarding the other four categories. The end of the first round feels weak this year, so the third-round reversal helped even out the league.
Round 2
13. Stephen Curry (G – GS)
14. Tyrese Maxey (G – PHI)
15. Evan Mobley (F – CLE)
16. Domantas Sabonis (C – SAC)
17. Kevin Durant (F – HOU)
18. Donovan Mitchell (G – CLE)
19. Amen Thompson (F – HOU)
20. Jalen Johnson (F – ATL)
21. Jalen Williams (G – OKC)
22. Josh Giddey (G – CHI)
23. Jaren Jackson (C – MEM)
24. LaMelo Ball (G – CHA)
I felt comfortable taking Johnson here. I’m expecting him to be an All-Star this year, and he fits in well with Giannis. I would’ve loved to get Thompson, but he went one pick before me, which made my decision regarding Johnson much easier. I also thought about Williams, who I have ranked higher than Johnson, but I opted for the better fit. There are quite a few options I really like in round two.
Round 3
25. Myles Turner (C – MIL)
26. Jamal Murray (G – DEN)
27. Scottie Barnes (F – TOR)
28. LeBron James (F – LAL)
29. Tyler Herro (G – MIA)
30. Chet Holmgren (C – OKC)
31. Dyson Daniels (G – ATL)
32. Alperen Sengun (C – HOU)
33. De’Aaron Fox (G – SA)
34. Jalen Brunson (G – NY)
35. Ja Morant (G – MEM)
36. Deni Avdija (F – POR)
While I love the second round, things start to drop off in round three. However, I really lucked out here in a way that made up for a previous mishap. I have Sengun ranked much higher than this and even higher than Johnson. It was an oversight on my part, but it ended up working out flawlessly. I also would’ve been thrilled with Holmgren or Daniels, but they went right before. Also, I suspect Herro will be drafted later after undergoing a procedure on his foot and ankle on Friday.
Round 4
37. Austin Reaves (G – LAL)
38. Darius Garland (G – CLE)
39. Derrick White (G – BOS)
40. Paolo Banchero (F – ORL)
41. Pascal Siakam (F – IND)
42. Kawhi Leonard (F – LAC)
43. Bam Adebayo (C – MIA)
44. Jimmy Butler (F – GS)
45. Cooper Flagg (F – DAL)
46. Franz Wagner (F – ORL)
47. Trey Murphy (F – NO)
48. Kristaps Porzingis (C – ATL)
I had three players on my mind entering this round, and I opted to go with the veteran player in Siakam, partially because Banchero was taken one pick before me. The other player was Zion Williamson, who went one pick before me in the next round, sadly. However, Siakam fits well and should be in for a monster season with Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) sidelined and Myles Turner now in Milwaukee.
Round 5
49. Payton Pritchard (G – BOS)
50. Desmond Bane (G – ORL)
51. Jaylen Brown (F – BOS)
52. Walker Kessler (C – UTA)
53. Brandon Miller (F – CHA)
54. Coby White (G – CHI)
55. Zion Williamson (F – NO)
56. OG Anunoby (F – NY)
57. Zach LaVine (G – SAC)
58. Ivica Zubac (C – LAC)
59. Immanuel Quickley (G – TOR)
60. Mark Williams (C – PHO)
As I mentioned previously, I was hoping to get Zion, but that just didn’t happen. Anunoby isn’t my favorite fit with the rest of my team, but he is certainly a productive, helpful piece that isn’t going to hurt me anywhere. Plus, he’s a strong source of steals, which I hadn’t really addressed yet. Wasn’t part of my plan, but I’m not upset about it at all. Also, Pritchard in the top-50!
Round 6
61. Jordan Poole (G – NO)
62. Jalen Green (G – PHO)
63. Jakob Poeltl (C – TOR)
64. Fred VanVleet (G – HOU)
65. Ausar Thompson (F – DET)
66. Nikola Vucevic (C – CHI)
67. Rudy Gobert (C – MIN)
68. Lauri Markkanen (F – UTA)
69. Deandre Ayton (C – LAL)
70. Julius Randle (F – MIN)
71. Jalen Duren (C – DET)
72. Joel Embiid (C – PHI)
Yes, this was really early for me to select Thompson, but he fit my team too well for me to risk waiting another round. This Thompson twin is the one I’m hoping to leave every draft with, and I think he’s in for a breakout season like his brother had last year. He may not reach those heights, but he should play more than he ever has, and when he’s been on the floor, he’s been elite. I’m all in on Ausar.
Round 7
73. Miles Bridges (F – CHA)
74. Donovan Clingan (C – POR)
75. Brandon Ingram (F – TOR)
76. Andrew Nembhard (G – IND)
77. Paul George (F – PHI)
78. DeMar DeRozan (F – SAC)
79. Jarrett Allen (C – CLE)
80. Onyeka Okongwu (C – ATL)
81. Josh Hart (G – NY)
82. Matas Buzelis (F – CHI)
83. Alex Sarr (C – WAS)
84. Shaedon Sharpe (G – POR)
I didn’t expect Okongwu to be here, but I certainly wasn’t upset about it. I still think he could start for the Hawks this season at center, and he was producing at an elite level to close out last year. I would’ve loved to get Clingan here, and I was between Allen and Okongwu, though that decision was made for me.
Round 8
85. Isaiah Hartenstein (C – OKC)
86. Mikal Bridges (F – NY)
87. Kel’el Ware (C – MIA)
88. Cameron Johnson (F – DEN)
89. Jalen Suggs (G – ORL)
90. Toumani Camara (F – POR)
91. Keegan Murray (F – SAC)
92. Zach Edey (C – MEM)
93. Michael Porter (F – BKN)
94. Herbert Jones (F – NO)
95. Christian Braun (G – DEN)
96. Bradley Beal (G – LAC)
At this point, I didn’t have a guard, so I really needed to start adding some. I went with Suggs, who will add some defensive stats. He may not provide as many assists as he has in the past with Desmond Bane now in Orlando, but he’ll still be able to produce strong value. I also wanted Edey and Braun, but they didn’t fall to me in the next round.
Round 9
97. Tobias Harris (F – DET)
98. John Collins (F – LAC)
99. Jay Huff (C – IND)
100. Norman Powell (G – MIA)
101. Naz Reid (C – MIN)
102. Draymond Green (F – GS)
103. Kyrie Irving (G – DAL)
104. Brandin Podziemski (G – GS)
105. Devin Vassell (G – SA)
106. Scoot Henderson (G – POR)
107. Anfernee Simons (G – BOS)
108. Kevin Porter (G – MIL)
Podz fits my team perfectly, and I was happy he fell to me here. He’s an excellent rebounder from the guard spot, and he stepped up his play after the Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler. Golden State has a lot of questions left to answer this offseason, but Podz is locked in as a starter. He’ll end up being a bargain outside the top-100.
Round 10
109. Donte DiVincenzo (G – MIN)
110. Jaden McDaniels (F – MIN)
111. Jaden Ivey (G – DET)
112. Kyle Filipowski (C – UTA)
113. Tari Eason (F – HOU)
114. Kyshawn George (G – WAS)
115. Cameron Thomas (G – BKN)
116. Jrue Holiday (G – POR)
117. D’Angelo Russell (G – DAL)
118. RJ Barrett (F – TOR)
119. CJ McCollum (G – WAS)
120. Dennis Schroder (G – SAC)
At this point, I was looking for upside, and nobody fits that better than Eason. The addition of Kevin Durant isn’t going to limit Eason, and there aren’t many players that can contribute defensive stats like Eason. I also considered Schroder to get me some assists, and George is a player I’m hoping to get in the last few rounds of every draft. He just went a tad earlier in this mock.
Round 11
121. Bobby Portis (F – MIL)
122. Dereck Lively (C – DAL)
123. Cam Whitmore (F – WAS)
124. Dejounte Murray (G – NO)
125. Andrew Wiggins (F – MIA)
126. Malik Monk (G – SAC)
127. Nicolas Claxton (C – BKN)
128. Isaiah Collier (G – UTA)
129. Carlton Carrington (G – WAS)
130. Zaccharie Risacher (F – ATL)
131. Jabari Smith (F – HOU)
132. Aaron Nesmith (F – IND)
After missing out on Schroder, I really needed to get some assists in the later rounds, and Collier can certainly provide those. He doesn’t do much scoring, but the rest of my team can help make up for that. I just really needed the dimes.
Round 12
133. De’Andre Hunter (F – CLE)
134. Keyonte George (G – UTA)
135. Scotty Pippen (G – MEM)
136. T.J. McConnell (G – IND)
137. Bennedict Mathurin (F – IND)
138. Jonathan Kuminga (F – GS)
139. Aaron Gordon (F – DEN)
140. Cason Wallace (G – OKC)
141. Mitchell Robinson (C – NY)
142. Kyle Kuzma (F – MIL)
143. Isaiah Jackson (C – IND)
144. Stephon Castle (G – SA)
Mathurin doesn’t fit my team well, but at this point, I don’t really care. This was 20 spots after his Fantrax ADP and 40 spots after his Yahoo! ADP. He’s going to score a ton of points. That’s more than what can be said for most of the other players going in this range.
145. Collin Sexton (G – CHA)
146. Neemias Queta (C – BOS)
147. Lonzo Ball (G – CLE)
148. Ace Bailey (F – UTA)
149. Chris Paul (G – LAC)
150. Moussa Diabate (C – CHA)
151. Bruce Brown (G – DEN)
152. Taylor Hendricks (F – UTA)
153. P.J. Washington (F – DAL)
154. Chris Boucher (F – BOS)
155. Daniel Gafford (C – DAL)
156. Ty Jerome (G – MEM)
The last round is for upside swings, and Hendricks has a ton of upside. He’s the best perimeter defender on the Jazz, and any progression offensively will allow him to be a top-100 producer in nine-cat leagues. He’s not a guarantee, but that’s not what the final round of your draft is for.
Here’s what my full team ended up looking like:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (F – MIL)
- Jalen Johnson (F – ATL)
- Alperen Sengun (C – HOU)
- Pascal Siakam (F – IND)
- OG Anunoby (F – NY)
- Ausar Thompson (F – DET)
- Onyeka Okongwu (C – ATL)
- Jalen Suggs (G – ORL)
- Brandin Podziemski (G – GS)
- Tari Eason (F – HOU)
- Isaiah Collier (G – UTA)
- Bennedict Mathurin (F – IND)
- Taylor Hendricks (F – UTA)
Overall, I was really happy with how this team turned out. The first three rounds were spectacular, and I was able to get a few of my favorite mid-late round targets. As far as the other teams, there was a nice mix of risky swings and value picks, making this an excellent replica of a competitive draft.
Hornets Sign Marcus Garrett; Waive Brandon Slater
Hornets Sign Marcus Garrett; Waive Brandon Slater
The Charlotte Hornets continued their preseason roster shuffling. Charlotte waived forward Brandon Slater and signed guard Marcus Garrett. Slater was on a non-guaranteed camp contract. Garrett was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal. Both players will likely join Charlotte’s G League team in Greensboro to begin next season.
Garrett appeared in four games for the Hornets while on a 10 Day contract in March of last season. He spent the majority of the season with the Greensboro Swarm of the G League.
In 42 games with the Swarm, the 6-foot-5 combo guard averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Garrett also spent part of a season in the NBA with the Miami Heat on a two-way contract.