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Why is NBA returning to China after six years?

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[BBC]

The National Basketball Association (NBA) will return to China for the first time since 2019 as the Brooklyn Nets play the Phoenix Suns in two pre-season games.

It puts an end to a six-year NBA absence in the country following a breakdown in relationships over protests that took place in Hong Kong in 2019.

The matches will take place at The Venetian Arena in Macau, a special administrative region of China close to Hong Kong.

The NBA have announced a multi-year partnership with Chinese technology giant Alibaba at the end of last year, which they believe will enhance fan engagement using AI technology.

The Nets are also owned by the company's chair Joseph Tsai, a Taiwanese-Canadian businessman.

Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets participates during NBA Cares and Sands Cares Community Service Week Tipoff as part of 2025 NBA Global Games China at Venetian Arena
It is the first time an NBA fixture has been played in Macau since 2007 [Getty Images]

Why they haven't played there since 2019?

The NBA has not held games in China for six years after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey posted a message on Twitter, now X, in support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.

Morey tweeted: "Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong."

The tweet was subsequently deleted, but the the Chinese Basketball Association and streaming platforms suspended all cooperation with the team and immediately stopped broadcasting their games.

What's the history behind Hong Kong and China?

Originally a British colony for more than 150 years, Hong Kong, signed a treaty in 1984 with China that would see them return to Chinese administation in 1997, under the principle of "one country, two systems".

In June 2019, protests started in the country against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.

Rights groups accused China of perceived interference, resulting in clashes with the police which lasted until 2024.

Why is basketball big in China?

The NBA estimates that around 300 million people play basketball in China - but much of its popularity stems from the success of Yao Ming in the NBA.

The 7ft 5in centre joined the Houston Rockets in 2002, helping to transform them into "China's team" during a seven-year spell in the United States.

The Macau games aim to bolster the NBA's profile in China further, capitalising on an audience that is eager for the return of the sport.

Games have now returned to Chinese state television, with the nation estimated to bring in $5bn (£3.7bn) for NBA China, according to ESPN.

"We are experiencing as great enthusiasm for the game as we ever have in China," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

"As you know, there's tremendous interest in the NBA throughout China, so it's wonderful to be back here."

Suns guard and four-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker adds: "Basketball without borders is super important, being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person."

This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.

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Game Preview: The New Jersey Devils Open the 2025–26 Season Against the Carolina Hurricanes

The New Jersey Devils will play their first game of the 2025–26 season tonight against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The two teams last faced one another in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. That series ended the Devils’ season when they fell 5–4 in double overtime to the Hurricanes in Game 5.

Now, the Devils are looking for revenge after that elimination. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. ET in Carolina.

Last season, the two teams met four times in the regular season and five times in the postseason.

Regular-Season Results

  • Oct. 15 at Hurricanes – 4–2 L
  • Nov. 21 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
  • Dec. 27 vs. Hurricanes – 4–2 W
  • Dec. 28 at Hurricanes – 5–2 L

Playoff Results

  • Game 1: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–4
  • Game 2: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 1–3
  • Game 3: Hurricanes at Devils – Won 3–2 (2OT)
  • Game 4: Hurricanes at Devils – Lost 2–5
  • Game 5: Devils at Hurricanes – Lost 4–5 (2OT)

Including playoffs, the Devils are 0–10 in their last 10 games played in Carolina, a streak they’ll look to end tonight.

Leading into the season, both teams wrapped up their exhibition schedules. The Devils went 3–2–2 in seven preseason games, while Carolina finished 1–3–2 in six.

Where to Watch

  • TV: ESPN+ and Hulu
  • Radio: Devils Hockey Network

At the morning skate, the Devils’ lines looked nearly identical to Wednesday’s session: 

Morning Skate Lines

Evgenii Dadonov — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt

Timo Meier — Nico Hischier — Dawson Mercer

Ondrej Palat — Cody Glass — Connor Brown

Paul Cotter — Luke Glendening — Arseny Gritsyuk

Zack MacEwen

Luke Hughes — Brett Pesce

Jonas Siegenthaler — Dougie Hamilton

Brenden Dillon — Simon Nemec

Dennis Cholowski — (Noesen)

Goalies:

Jacob Markstrom, Jake Allen

The expected goaltending matchup is Frederik Andersen for Carolina versus Jacob Markstrom for New Jersey.

Milestone Moments

Tonight’s game will mark Brett Pesce’s 700th career NHL game. Pesce, who was a full participant in practice yesterday after missing time in training camp, will become the 20th player in NHL history to play his 700th game against the team that drafted him.

Pesce was originally selected by the Hurricanes, where he played for nine seasons before joining the Devils this offseason.

It’s also a milestone night for rookie Arseny Gritsyuk, who will make his NHL debut after spending most of his career in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Gritsyuk led the Devils in preseason scoring with five points (2 goals, 3 assists).

Three other players will make their Devils debuts tonight: Evgenii Dadonov, Connor Brown, and Luke Glendening, all appearing in the red and black for the first time.

After 163 days of waiting, Devils hockey is finally back, and the team will look to start the new season on the right foot tonight in Carolina.

Full-Circle Moment: Devils Open Season Against Hurricanes as Brett Pesce Returns to Carolina for His 700th NHL GameFull-Circle Moment: Devils Open Season Against Hurricanes as Brett Pesce Returns to Carolina for His 700th NHL Game162 days later, the New Jersey Devils will once again face the Carolina Hurricanes, this time in Carolina.
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Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Blue Jays set up nicely for ALCS after putting away Yankees in Game 4

NEW YORK — Forget the preseason prognostications. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the worst-to-first Toronto Blue Jays believe they’re as good as anybody.

Hard to argue after the way they dispatched Aaron Judge and the powerful New York Yankees in their AL Division Series.

And now, manager John Schneider’s pesky Blue Jays bunch is set up pretty nicely for the next playoff round against Detroit or Seattle.

“This is a really special group and we’ve had the confidence to be here since day one. I like our chances and I like the fact that these guys will be recognized for it,” Schneider said.

“I think we more than showed what we can do in this series between all that pitching, defense, everything. The guys in here know what we’re capable of and we don’t really care what anyone else thinks.”

Guerrero and George Springer each drove in a run, and eight Toronto pitchers shut down the Yankees in a 5-2 victory that sent the surprising Blue Jays to the American League Championship Series for the first time in nine years.

“Maybe some people don’t believe in the team through the year, but I always remind everyone that we have an entire country behind us that believe in us, and hopefully we can get the World Series back to Canada,” Guerrero said through a translator.

AL East champion Toronto, wearing its lucky caps with the white panels, took the best-of-five Division Series 3-1 and will host Game 1 in the best-of-seven ALCS against the wild-card Tigers or AL West champion Mariners.

Those teams are set to decide their series in Game 5 at Seattle.

“We knew we were kind of the best team all year,” part-time outfielder and second baseman Davis Schneider said. “Obviously, a lot of people doubted us. Everyone was kind of picking the Yankees to win the series or even the World Series. We’re a great team for a reason. Over the 162 (regular-season games) and into the playoffs, we showed what we can do really well.”

Toronto went 4-3 against Detroit this season and 4-2 versus Seattle.

And while the Tigers and Mariners will use some of their best arms, veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman and rookie Trey Yesavage — the Blue Jays’ top two starters in the ALDS — will be fully rested for the first two games of the ALCS.

“I think with this team, it’s so special that everybody has each other’s back and plays for each other,” reliever Louis Varland said.

No matter who pitches against Toronto, they’ll need to contend with Guerrero and a feisty lineup that consistently fights off tough pitches and puts the ball in play.

Guerrero batted .529 with three homers and nine RBIs in the ALDS, tormenting the Yankees in October in the mold of David Ortiz, Ken Griffey Jr. and George Brett decades ago.

“They hit the crap out of the ball. They didn’t miss,” Yankees catcher Austin Wells said.

Ernie Clement also had an outstanding series at the plate as the Blue Jays advanced to their eighth ALCS. Toronto’s only pennants came in 1992 and ’93, when the club won consecutive World Series crowns.

A season ago, the Blue Jays finished last in the AL East at 74-88, which was 20 games behind the first-place Yankees, who reached the World Series.

This year, the Blue Jays went 11-6 against New York — including 8-1 in Toronto. The teams tied for the AL East title at 94-68, but the Blue Jays won the division on a head-to-head tiebreaker.

“It just shows you a lot can happen in a year,” Springer said. “For us to respond the way we did this year, I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”

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Aaron Judge remains without World Series ring as Yankees’ title drought reaches 16 years

NEW YORK — Aaron Judge walked slowly from first base to the Yankees’ dugout after Cody Bellinger ended the game with a strikeout, then turned his head to watch the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate on New York’s infield.

“You don’t like seeing it and it kind of leaves an impression,” Judge said. “Make sure this doesn’t happen next year.”

New York’s 16th consecutive season without a World Series championship ended with a 5-2 loss to Toronto, which won the AL Division Series 3-1 and advanced to a matchup against Seattle or Detroit for the American League pennant.

An hour after the game, Giancarlo Stanton walked over to Judge, seated by his locker in the quiet clubhouse, and put a consoling arm around the captain’s shoulder.

“Didn’t execute when we needed to,” Stanton told reporters a few minutes later. “Timely at-bats, timely pitches, we just didn’t do it as well as they did.”

Judge hit .500 with seven RBIs in seven postseason games, including .600 (9 for 15) with one homer, six RBIs, four walks and a 1.617 OPS against the Blue Jays. But a year after losing a five-game World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees still are looking for championship No. 28.

“This has been a tough year for me personally,” manager Aaron Boone said after his eighth season without a title. “It’s terrible. It hurts.”

Now 33 and perhaps on the verge of his third AL MVP award, Judge has had eight unfulfilling trips to the playoffs in 10 big league seasons.

Instead of moving alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter in adding to the Yankees’ championship collection, Judge remains in the same category as Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield — star players also known for not winning a World Series in the Bronx.

“It doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen, and he and I wholeheartedly believe that it will,” Boone said. “You keep working your tail off to get back to this position and punch through.”

Judge won his first AL batting title this season by hitting .331 with 114 RBIs and 53 home runs — reaching 50 for the fourth time. He is on a Hall of Fame track with a .294 career average and 368 homers, and he has a .235 postseason average with 17 homers and 41 RBIs in 65 games.

“It’s almost like we take it for granted because he only had 50-something homers and not 60,” said Paul Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star who joined the Yankees for this season. “Took it to a whole new level. He’s the best that I’ve ever been around. He’s also just the greatest teammate I’ve been around, the best leader.”

It is unclear whether Judge’s right elbow, both of Stanton’s elbows and shortstop Anthony Volpe’s left shoulder might need surgery.

“We’ll do some work on it and get it right,” Judge said.

Asked whether an operation could be needed, he responded: “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know.”

A year after an AL East title and a five-game World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees had a winning record for the 33rd straight season. But they finished second to Toronto in the division on a tiebreaker, then rallied to win their best-of-three Wild Card Series against archrival Boston after losing the opener.

New York was outscored 34-19 by the Blue Jays and outhomered 9-4, a surprise for an offense that led the major leagues with 274 homers and scored a big league-high 50.2% of its runs on longballs, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

And just like last year, defense precipitated the demise. Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. allowed Andrés Giménez’s hard one-hopper to skip off his glove for an error instead of turning it into an inning-ending double play, and Nathan Lukes hit a two-out, two-run single off Devin Williams for a 4-1 lead in the seventh.

“Just missed it,” Chisholm said an hour after the final out. “Been thinking about that since the play happened, still thinking about it now. Still can’t get it out of my head.”

Judge’s supporting cast needs a remake. New York’s 4.37 bullpen ERA ranked 23rd out of 30 teams. The team’s 7-8-9 batters combined to hit just .224 with a .687 OPS. Volpe batted .212 during the season and .192 in the playoffs with 16 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.

“I’m sure there will be a lot of sleepless nights,” Volpe said.

Goldschmidt and outfielder Trent Grisham can become free agents along with Williams, Luke Weaver, Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough plus pitcher Paul Blackburn, infielder Amed Rosario and outfielder Austin Slater.

Bellinger likely will turn down his $25 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout, and the Yankees probably will decline a $5 million option on oft-injured right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga. They could exercise a $3 million option on Hill.

“It just sucks for the guys that this might be their last time wearing pinstripes, not getting a chance to have a long run with them and getting the championship,” Judge said.

He urgently wants to keep chasing that ring.

“I want to get back out there right now,” Judge said. “I wish spring training was in a couple of weeks so we can kind of get this going.”

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Former Blues Winger Scores First Goal With Canadiens; What Does Logan Mailloux Have In Store

This off-season, the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens completed a trade, with the Blues sending winger Zachary Bolduc to the Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux.

In his first game with the Habs, Bolduc made his mark, scoring what was at the time the go-ahead goal in the second period. The 22-year-old forced a turnover on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson before scooping up a rebound off a Brendan Gallagher shot to make it 2-1. 

Bolduc finished the game with a goal, three shots on net and two hits in 13:34 of ice time. Bolduc also saw time on the first power play unit, but the Canadiens were unable to capitalize on any of their opportunities. 

The trade shocked many Blues fans, but it works for both teams. The Canadiens acquired Dobson, which made Mailloux's skill set unneeded to the organization, but the Blues required Mailloux's profile. In return, they felt that the depth of their prospects made Bolduc expendable, and the trade helped bolster the Canadiens' top nine. 

While judging the two off of one game isn't fair, it's the nature of a one-for-one trade. Mailloux hasn't even played an NHL regular season game yet with the Blues, as he'll do so tonight against the Minnesota Wild, but the Blues have liked what they've seen from the 22-year-old in pre-season and training camp. 

The offensive part of Mailloux's game has never been an issue, but his defensive capabilities have been lacking. Coach Jim Montgomery has worked hard with Mailloux to improve that aspect of his game, and the early indication from Montgomery is that he has improved and believes he is a full-time NHLer.

'It's His Job to Lose,' Blues GM Doug Armstrong With A Straightforward Message To Logan Mailloux'It's His Job to Lose,' Blues GM Doug Armstrong With A Straightforward Message To Logan MaillouxThe St. Louis Blues' training camp has finally started, but prior to the first practices, GM Doug Armstrong spoke to the media, talking about several topics.

The Blues' bench boss has praised Mailloux's stick work, mentioning how he has done an excellent job of breaking up plays with his stick. He's also talked about how Mailloux is using his feet and awareness to be in better positions to negate offensive opportunities for his opponents. 

Mailloux will start the season with Tyler Tucker, and the two defenders believe they complement each other well. The goal is for the two to play physical hockey, safe in their own end, but pitch in offensively when the right opportunity arises. 

Tonight's game against the Wild is a difficult test, but the Blues believe Mailloux will pass with flying colors. 

Blues Have Experience On Defense, It Will Be Key For Tucker, Mailloux To Make Group WholeBlues Have Experience On Defense, It Will Be Key For Tucker, Mailloux To Make Group WholeMARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- When the puck drops on the 2025-26 season for the St. Louis Blues against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, they will introduce what they hope are a pair of mainstays on the blue line for some time.
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Phillies’ big three come alive to stave off elimination against Dodgers

LOS ANGELES — With the Philadelphia Phillies facing elimination, the team’s struggling big three saved the season in a big way, at least for another day.

Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner combined for seven hits and five RBIs to lead the Phillies to an 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-five NLDS.

Schwarber got back his postseason power, hitting a pair of home runs — including one that left the stadium. He now has 23 career postseason home runs, third all-time.

The Phillies are still down 2-1 in the series and face another elimination game. If they win, they’ll send the series back to Philadelphia for Game 5.

And it all started with Schwarber’s big swing that went 455 feet over the right-field pavilion in the fourth inning to tie the game at 1. Then Harper and Turner got in on the act, too.

“We want to go in and do our job everyday,” Harper said. “Any time we have Kyle going or Trea going or myself or anybody else, we’re going to win games. I think we all know that. When we’re not doing our job, we’re probably not going to win many games. That’s something we need to do (Thursday), come in, do our job, have fun and enjoy it. Obviously, it’s a great opportunity to play this game. We have a lot of fun doing it.”

The big three were 7 for 13 with five RBIs, four runs, two walks and Turner’s two stolen bases.

Schwarber’s first shot was unmistakably the potion the Phillies needed from the top of their lineup. The Phillies scored three runs in the fourth, took a 3-1 lead and never looked back.

“Ridiculous how far that ball went,” Turner said of Schwarber’s solo shot. “I just think the vibes, the energy it’s something to build off. Sometimes, it’s hard to create your own momentum. You’ve got to build off things like that. No better way than a ball leaving the stadium.”

Harper and Schwarber were 1 for 15 with eight strikeouts in the first two games of the series.

The Phillies still have work to do as only two teams have ever come back from a 2-0 deficit to win the NLDS.

But with hitting becoming contagious for Turner, Schwarber and Harper, the Phillies found hope.

Schwarber had a two-run shot off Clayton Kershaw in the eighth after Turner singled leading off.

“I think just trying to get back and respond there after they score a run is a big thing for us,” Schwarber said. “That’s something we have a knack for here. That’s something that’s never going to leave us. We have to keep that same feeling, that same fight, but it’s just nice to get the answer back.”

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Shohei Ohtani’s postseason struggles continue as Dodgers fall to Phillies in Game 3

LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani remains mired in a postseason hitting funk, going 0 for 5 for the Los Angeles Dodgers in their 8-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.

The Dodgers lead the best-of-five series, 2-1, despite Ohtani’s lack of offense. He is 1 for 14 with seven strikeouts in the NLDS.

“I really don’t want to comment on that because, I mean, he can explode at any time,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s that great of a hitter. But we have pitched him well.”

The two-way superstar hasn’t looked like the designated hitter who hit 55 home runs and had 146 runs scored — both franchise records — in the regular season. His homers were second in the National League behind Philadelphia’s Kyle Schwarber, who had two drives to break out of a slump.

Ohtani struck out once, grounded out and flied out three times. The Phillies’ left-handers have stymied him in particular.

“His decision making hasn’t been good,” manager Dave Roberts said.

On the mound, Ohtani pitched six strong innings in the Dodgers’ Game 1 victory on the road. It was the third-most strikeouts by a Dodger in their postseason pitching debut.

Roberts has said Ohtani would start a deciding Game 5 in Philadelphia if the series goes the distance.

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Canadiens: Dobson Has Solid Game In His Debut

For GM Kent Hughes, landing Noah Dobson on the first day of the NHL draft was an absolute coup. Right-shot defenseman in their prime rarely become available on the trade market. When the Montreal Canadiens’ brass heard that the New York Islanders had such a player available, they couldn’t pass up on the opportunity.

Not only were they able to acquire Dobson, but they also managed to ink him to an eight-year deal, which made him the highest earner on the team. Throughout training camp, Martin St-Louis had his new defenseman skate alongside Mike Matheson on his first pairing, which raised several questions.

Canadiens Looking For Better Result In Detroit
Three Takeaways As Canadiens Fall Short In Toronto
Canadiens Get Mixed Grades From The Athletic

Some believed that the pair wouldn’t be good enough defensively to handle the opponents’ best players night after night, but in the first real game of the season, the duo delivered. Granted, Dobson ended the night with a minus-one rating, but he was on the ice when the Toronto Maple Leafs scored their first empty net goal, which can hardly be hung at his door.

He spent 22:56 on the ice and looked calm and in control. Of those nearly 23 minutes, only 59 seconds were spent on the power play, which didn’t give him much of an opportunity to show off his offensive creativity. He had one shot on net, one attempt blocked, a blocked shot, and a single giveaway. Overall, it was a good game for the blueliner, and it should help silence the critics who were already ready to criticize his play after training camp.

Wednesday’s score gives the impression that the Maple Leafs had their way with the Canadiens, but it really wasn’t the case. Montreal dictated play for much of the game and was able to neutralize the Leafs’ best player, Auston Matthews. Yes, he scored a goal, but only once the Habs’ net was empty. That goal was the sole shot he was able to get on net during the game, which in itself shows that the Sainte-Flanelle did well.

Of course, one game is a small sample, but that first match showed why Hughes had to pounce when Dobson became available. His presence will also allow St-Louis to better manage Matheson’s and Lane Hutson’s ice time. In an ideal world, Dobson would have gotten on the scoresheet, but give it time, it’s coming, especially after a game that will have allowed him to build up some confidence.

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Red Wings Open Season at Home Against Canadiens in Original Six Clash

The Red Wings open up their regular season at home versus the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

The Detroit Red Wings open up their season Thursday at home versus the Montreal Canadiens, who are coming off a crushing 5-2 defeat in their first game of the season versus the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

This will be the 613th all-time meeting between the Red Wings and Habs with Montreal holding the upperhand historically with a 297-210-91-9 record. This trend continued last season when the Habs won three out of four games in the season series versus the Red Wings. We can expect a high-scoring affair as these two clubs have totalled over six goals in six of their last seven matchups. 

Lineup Storylines

Both teams have made significant changes to their lineup with Montreal adding a top end talent to their blueline with Noah Dobson as well as inserting more young talent into meaningful roles this season with center Oliver Kapanen, who scored his first NHL goal on Wednesday, and winger Ivan Demidov, who is the favorite to win the Calder trophy this season. 

Detroit will counter with an impressive wave of top prospects, including former first-round selections Axel Sandin-Pellikka on defense and Michael Brandsegg-Nygård on the right wing. Joining them is training camp and preseason standout Emmitt Finnie, a 2023 seventh-round pick who has transformed from an overlooked long shot into a projected top-line winger alongside captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. The last seventh round pick to rise up the rankings like Finnie has was Red Wings legend Henrik Zetterberg. All three of Detroit’s prospects will be making their NHL debut on Thursday. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Final Form? Red Wings Hint At Opening Night Lines During PracticeFinal Form? Red Wings Hint At Opening Night Lines During PracticeThe Detroit Red Wings were back at practice this morning at Little Caesars Arena, and the lines they skated with could give a good indication as to what things could look like on Opening Night this coming Thursday.

Player & Betting Trends (Presented By BetMGM)

DET ML (-133) | MTL ML (+110)

DET -1.5 (+170) | MTL +1.5 (-208)

O/U 6.0 Goals

A key player to watch for the Canadiens is standout defenseman Lane Hutson. Despite posting a -2 rating in Wednesday’s game against Toronto, he still showcased his high-end skill with several plays that generated quality scoring chances. Hutson has also fared well historically against Detroit, recording five points in six career games versus the Red Wings. On the other hand, a Canadiens player to approach with caution is Cole Caufield. The 24-year-old sniper has struggled against Detroit, managing just five points (three goals, two assists) over 11 career games against them.

For the Red Wings, expect Alex DeBrincat to be a major factor once again. Detroit’s leading scorer has excelled in this matchup, notching 17 points (six goals, 11 assists) over his last 17 games versus Montreal. His chemistry with linemate Patrick Kane should also be key as Kane has tallied 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 18 career games against the Canadiens. A Detroit player who may be worth fading is Marco Kasper. The 21-year-old center has faced Montreal four times and has yet to register a point.

Note: The Habs have dominated the sportsbooks when it comes to facing off against the Red Wings with a 12-3 record against the spread over their last 15 matchups, including a 9-3 record when listed as an underdog. An overtime bet might be worth an extra look as the Red Wings and Habs have seen 11 of their last 18 matchups decided by one goal with seven of the games needing extra time. 

Goalie Matchup

Montreal: Jakub Dobes (First Game VS DET, Last 19 Games: 8-6-3 record, 2.77 GAA, .906 SV%)

Detroit: John Gibson (VS MTL: 7-2-0 record, 2.29 GAA, .927 SV%)

Red Wings' Future Options Limiting As Star Free Agents Re-SignRed Wings' Future Options Limiting As Star Free Agents Re-SignSuperstars Connor McDavid and Kyle Connor are no longer free agents next July, leaving smaller but still impactful group of targets for Red Wings to pick from. 

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Former Devils Defender Signs With New Team

Will Butcher (© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, have announced that they have signed former New Jersey Devils defenseman Will Butcher to an AHL deal for the 2025-26 season.

Butcher signing with the Monsters comes after he split the 2024-25 season between Barys Astana of the KHL and EHC Red Bull Munchen of the DEL. In 15 games with Barys Astana this past campaign, the 5-foot-10 blueliner recorded three assists and a minus-7 rating. He then had three goals, eight assists, 11 points, and a plus-7 rating in 32 games with EHC Munchen. 

Butcher kicked off his NHL career with the Devils after the Metropolitan Division club signed him during the 2017 NHL off-season. From there, he played four seasons with the Devils from 2017-18 to 2020-21, where he recorded 14 goals, 92 assists, 106 points, 239 blocks, and a minus-27 rating in 238 games. This included him posting career highs with five goals, 39 assists, and 44 points in 81 games with the Devils during his rookie year. This was good enough for him to make the 2017-18 NHL All-Rookie Team. 

Butcher's time with the Devils ended when he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres ahead of the 2021-22 season. 

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Cristopher Sanchez more than a willing participant for Game 4 of NLDS

Cristopher Sanchez more than a willing participant for Game 4 of NLDS originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

LOS ANGELES – The look on the face of Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez was of a child opening their coveted birthday present.

It was just after the Phillies had beaten the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 Wednesday in Game Three of the Divisional Series. His team had just forced a fourth game at Dodger Stadium, and it is Sanchez’s turn to take the mound. He’ll be opposing Los Angeles right hander Tyler Glasnow in another must-win game for the Phillies.

The newly appointed ace, due to the season-ending surgery on Zack Wheeler, wore the burden of his duties for Thursday proudly as his 6-6 frame exuded confidence as he talked to the media in front of his locker.

“I’m going to compete as always and do the best job that I can as I always try to do so I can give us a chance to win a ball game,” he said. And that’s just what he did in Game One of this series when he allowed four hits and two earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of what eventually became a 5-3 Dodgers win.

Not knowing if there was going to be another start for him this season before his team took the field for Game Three, Sanchez did the only thing he knows how to do, and that’s stick to his normal routine.

“It’s the same preparation for me,” he said. “I prepare myself in the same way as I always do. It didn’t matter if we were up or down in the game, I was going to prepare myself to pitch (Thursday).”

And now he’ll have that chance as the Phillies offense exploded on Wednesday after Kyle Schwarber ignited them with a 455-foot home run in the fourth inning.

“I was actually getting treatment in the training room,” at the time of the home run, said Sanchez. “I just jumped out of excitement. I mean he hit it 117 off the bat and it cleared all the stadium.”

His demeanor is always the same, like that of a person able to do the profession he loves and excels at. While the offense came through with a big day, Sanchez will also be able to make another start this season due to the performance of fellow pitchers Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez. In an unconventional move, manager Rob Thomson had Nola go two innings in his start, only to be replaced by Suarez in the third. Suarez pitched five efficient innings and the Phillies lived to see another day.

“It’s incredible. It’s amazing,” said Sanchez. “I mean it’s not a coincidence. They are two of the best pitchers that we have. They got the job done.”

And now it’s his turn. Having cemented himself as a true No. 1 on this team, another good outing on Thursday will certainly thrust him more into the minds of an ace to those around the baseball world who may be a little late to the revelation.

Wait, what?

Thomson said in the days leading up to Game Three that he would be doing the piggyback thing with Nola starting and Suarez coming in for relief. What he didn’t reveal, even to all of his players, was that his goal was to get Nola through the Los Angeles lineup just once before changing to his left-hander. It all worked, but he surprised many in doing it.

“I’m looking around and Noles is doing his thing and you see him start giving handshakes,” said Schwarber. “We’ve got our game plan and we’re going to stick to our guns and we’re going to go with our game plan. I’m like, this man is throwing the ball so well.”

He was and he did. And now Nola is another weapon for Thomson should the team prolong their playoff run.

“I didn’t know the game plan was to go two innings,” said Trea Turner. “When he came out I was like, ‘What are we doing?’ Because he looked really good. That’s the Nola I faced for years. I’ve seen him pitch a lot of good postseason games for us. When I saw 95 (MPH) in that first inning and he was throwing strikes and spotting up, I felt like he was back to his old self. And then Ranger picked up right where he left off. He gave up that early homer but he settled in. That’s exactly what we needed from both of them.”

Notes: Schwarber’s first home run went over the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium. He becomes just the second player to ever do that, joining former Pirate great Willie Stargell, who did it in 1969 and again in 1973. Schwarber’s 23 postseason homers are the third most all-time and the most ever by a lefthander. He also has eight home runs in the powder blue uniforms this season … Should the Phillies force a Game Five, that will be at 8:08 on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park.

Red October coverage on NBC Sports Philadelphia is sponsored by Toyota.

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Morning skate: What you need to know for Nashville Predators season opener versus Blue Jackets

The day has finally arrived! After nearly six months, the Nashville Predators will return to the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST. 

The new season gives the Predators a fresh start after a disappointing campaign last season. This year's roster will face multiple new additions, including the Predators 2025 fifth overall pick, Brady Martin. 

With puck drop upon us, here is everything you need to know ahead of the Predators' season opener. 

Inactive players 

- Nashville defenseman Nicolas Hague is out with an upper-body injury until at least Oct. 23. 

- Nashville forward Matthew Wood is out with a lower-body injury until at least Oct. 11. 

- Nashville forward Luke Evangelista is still figuring out details with his newly signed contract and was listed as "non-roster" on the Predators' opening night roster announcement on Monday. 

- Columbus defenseman Luca Marrelli is out until at least Dec. 16 with a shoulder injury. 

- Columbus forward Jordan Dumais is out until at least Oct. 18 with a hip injury. 

Brady Martin to make NHL debut 

© Nashville Predators

The Predators highest pick since 2013, Martin, is set to make his NHL debut on Thursday. Head coach Andrew Brunette confirmed on Wednesday that the center would play. 

Martin said he has around 30 family members in town to watch him play. He is expected to center the Predators top line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly on the wings.

It's a big moment that's received some criticism, but the Predators feel confident in Martin's capabilities. 

Nashville Predators confident with Brady Martin centering Forsberg, O'Reilly line ahead of opening nightNashville Predators confident with Brady Martin centering Forsberg, O'Reilly line ahead of opening nightBrady Martin may have the biggest role of any rookie in the NHL on opening night. 

Predators eyeing a strong start to season 

A lot of the Predators hype from the 2024 offseason was derailed in October as they went 5-9-1 and lost their first five games. In wanting to have a chance to make the playoffs this season, the Predators will need to have a strong start out of the gate.

Nashville earned between both of its matchups against the Blue Jackets last season.

Its first meeting was one of the few games the Predators won in October, taking a 4-3 overtime win on Oct. 26. 

The second meeting was an 8-4 blowout victory in favor of the Blue Jackets on April 1. That loss was in the middle of a six-game Predators losing streak at the end of last season. 

Nashville has also not won on a traditional opening-night since 2019. It's win over Columbus to open the 2020-21 season was in January in an abbreviated 56-game season. The Predators win over the San Jose Sharks to start the 2022-23 season was part of a double-header played in Prague, Czechia. 

Nashville Predators Hope To Reverse Recent Opening Night StrugglesNashville Predators Hope To Reverse Recent Opening Night StrugglesApr 16, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros (74) blocks the puck against the Dallas Stars during the second period at Bridgestone Arena. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Projected Predators lineup 

Nashville 

Forwards 

Forsberg-Martin-O'Reilly

Kemell-Svechkov-Stamkos (potentially Evangelista at LW) 

Bunting-Haula-Marchessault 

Jost/Wiesblatt-McCarron-Smith

Defensemen

Wilsby-Josi

Skjei-Perbix

Stastney-Barron

Blankenburg 

Goaltender 

Juuse Saros 

How to follow along 

Game time: vs. Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. CST 

Where: Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn. 

Line (via MGM): Nashville -1.5, Columbus +1.5. Over/under 6 

TV/streaming: FanDuel Sports Network South

Radio: 102.6 The Game

Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster starting at $37.50

 

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NHL Rumor Roundup: Update On 2025 UFA Market And The Latest On Lane Hutson

A day into the 2025-26 NHL regular season, the depth of star talent potentially available in next summer's UFA market shrank considerably.

It began on Sept. 30, when the Minnesota Wild signed left winger Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year extension. Six days later, center Connor McDavid signed a two-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers.

Two more notable names came off the list on Wednesday, as the Winnipeg Jets re-upped Kyle Connor on an eight-year deal, followed by Jack Eichel agreeing to an eight-year extension with the Vegas Golden Knights.

That leaves New York Rangers left winger Artemi Panarin and Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky as the most noteworthy remaining talent.

Panarin turns 34 on Oct. 30 and is in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.642 million. The 37-year-old Bobrovsky is also finishing a seven-year deal, with an average annual value of $10 million.

Panarin reportedly turned down a team-friendly offer during the summer. As this season begins, he and Rangers management have kept mum about his contract status.

Despite Bobrovsky's age, the defending champion Panthers could re-sign him if he keeps them in the Stanley Cup hunt. George Richards of Florida Hockey Now speculated in August that he could get between $6.5 million and $7 million annually from the Panthers on a five- or six-year deal, or $8 million annually for four years.

Other UFA-eligible notables include Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe, Colorado Avalanche forward Martin Necas and Buffalo Sabres power forward Alex Tuch.

Reports: Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Signs Fifth-Richest Contract In NHL HistoryReports: Golden Knights' Jack Eichel Signs Fifth-Richest Contract In NHL HistoryThe Vegas Golden Knights reportedly re-signed Jack Eichel to an eight-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, in Montreal, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Canadiens recently made an eight-year contract extension offer to Lane Hutson. The 21-year-old defenseman won the Calder Trophy last season and is in the final year of his entry-level contract.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman cited sources claiming that the Canadiens' offer was “slightly below 8 by $9 million,” adding that he believed Hutson wanted to sign a new deal before the start of this season.

The two reporters believed the Canadiens' offer had some salary deferral in it. At the same time, Friedman noted recent reports out of Montreal claimed they also pitched Hutson's camp on a Canadian retirement compensation arrangement (RCA) that many players used to soften the tax burden. However, neither option was of interest to the blueliner's representatives.

Both sides are reportedly pausing talks to let things cool down a bit. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes remains optimistic that an extension will be done at some point, reminding nervous Habs fans that Hutson isn't UFA-eligible until 2031.

The Canadiens hold most of the leverage in these negotiations. PuckPedia indicates that Hutson not only lacks arbitration rights coming off his entry-level deal but is also ineligible to receive an offer sheet from a rival club next summer.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

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Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Top three-point targets include Payton Pritchard, Norman Powell

The NBA preseason is well underway, and we're a little over a week away from the regular season tipping off. That means we've got plenty of fantasy basketball draft content up on the site.

Whether it's dynasty sleepers or players to avoid at ADP or just straight rankings, we've got it all up there. Today, I'm going to add to that collection by looking at players who can help you in drafts if you're looking for three-point value.

In a standard 9-category fantasy basketball league, you pile up stats in Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks, Field Goal Percentage (FG%), Free Throw Percentage (FT%), 3-Pointers Made, and Turnovers. That means, when we're looking for three-point help, we are looking for accumulators, players who will make a lot of threes, but also players who shoot at a high enough percent that they won't tank our field goal percentage.

In this article, I looked at some of my favorite targets, specifically for three-point value, spread throughout the draft. I separated the article into two sections: early round picks (guys in the top 100 in ADP, which is approximately the first eight rounds) and then everybody outside of that. So flag some of these guys in your draft prep, and good luck assembling your teams.

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers-Media Day
2025-26 Fantasy Basketball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, mock draft results, and more
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

2024-25 NBA Three-Point Leaders

TOP 10 IN THREE-POINTERS MADE PER GAME

RankNameTeamPos3pt/g
1Stephen CurryGSWPG/SG4.4
2Anthony EdwardsMINSG/SF4.1
3Malik BeasleyDETSG/SF3.9
4Brandon MillerCHASG/SF/PF3.9
5LaMelo BallCHAPG/SG3.8
6Luka DoncicLALPG/SG3.5
7Derrick WhiteBOSPG/SG3.5
8Jayson TatumBOSSF/PF3.5
9Jordan PooleWASPG/SG3.5
10Damian LillardMILPG3.4

TOP 10 IN THREE-POINT FIELD GOAL PERCENTAGE (QUALIFIED)

RankNameTeamPOS3pt%
1Seth CurryGSSG45.6
2Zach LaVineSACSG44.6
3Taurean PriceMILPF43.9
4Ty JeromeMEMSG43.9
5Vit KrejciATLPG/SG43.7
6Nic BatumLACPF43.3
7Harrison BarnesSASSF43.3
8Keon EllisSACPG/SG43.3
9Luke KennardATLSG/SF43.3
10Aaron NesmithINDSG/SF43.1

Fantasy Basketball Draft Targets: Three-Pointers

It's obvious that, if you want three-point value, you're going to want to draft the best three-point shooters in the league, so I'm not going to include guys like Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Derrick White, Zach LaVine, Klay Thompson, etc. We're going to focus on guys going in the early rounds (inside the top 100 picks) and guys going in the later rounds (post top 100 picks) who can provide you with 3-point value if your team is lagging there at various points in the draft.

▶ EARLY ROUNDS

Jordan Poole - PG/SG, NOR

(ADP: 66)

It's fun to clown on Jordan Poole on social media because he's made some boneheaded plays, and he also got punched in the face by his own teammate once, but he can shoot. Poole had a bit of a mini-breakout with Washington last season, and put up 9.1 three-pointers per game, ninth-most in the league, while making 37.8% of them. His 3.5 made threes per game was 9th-best in basketball. Poole now heads to the Pelicans, where only Zion Williamson is a really high-usage player in the starting lineup. Trey Murphy III is a talented player, but Poole didn't have a 30% usage rate in Washington just to cede tons of opportunities to Murphy. Zion also only played 30 games last year and has a checked injury past, so when he is inevitably out for a bit, who do you think it's going to be putting up shots?

Brandon Miller - SG/SF/PF, CHA

(ADP: 71)

Miller put up the third-most three-point field goals per game at 10.9 attempts and also made a solid 35.5% of them. That's not shooting the lights out, but that's a pretty good clip given the amount of shooting he's doing. The 22-year-old played only 27 games last season, but he had a 28% usage rate, and I see no reason why that wouldn't continue. I think you're getting a bit of a discount based on his injury, but I will take a 36.6% career three-point shooter who has put up nearly eight threes per game in his young career.

Payton Pritchard - PG, BOS (ADP: 78)

Anfernee Simons - PG/SG, BOS (ADP: 82)

Yes, it's possible that we've pushed Pritchard's draft cost up too high in this new-look Celtics offense that tried hard to rid themselves of big salaries after the Jayson Tatum injury, so they could get under the second apron. We know Pritchard is going to start and see big minutes, but a top-80 pick is certainly a decent investment. Still, if you need three-point value, it's hard to pass up on a guy who shot 40.7% from behind the arc and whose 3.2 made threes per game was 14th-best in basketball. The Celtics as a team love to shoot threes. Now, that philosophy might change a bit with the new personnel, but I can't see them simply becoming a grind-it-out team like the Marc Gasol Grizzlies, so there will be three-point shots taken, and both Pritchard and Simons are likely to take them. I'm shocked the Celtics were able to get Simons this offseason, but it's a nice add for the team, and his 3.1 made threes per game last year with Portland was 17th-best in basketball. Simons is not as efficient a shooter as Pritchard is, but I like his all-around game better, so I'd rather take him since both are going in the same range.

Cam Thomas - PG/SG/SF, BKN

(ADP: 79)

Thomas is another guywho didn't play a full season last year, playing only 25 games due to hamstring injuries. When he was on the court, he was a 32% usage player who took 7.8 three-point attempts per game, which was 24th-most in basketball. His 2.7 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 33rd in the NBA, and while he shot them at just 34.9%, which is slightly below a few players on this list, it's not really a mark that's going to hurt your overall field goal percentage. Since you want to focus more on the made three-pointers when targeting three-point value in the draft, I like Thomas because who else is going to shoot on Brooklyn? Thomas is also playing on a qualifying offer, which means he's going to be an unrestricted free agent after this season, and you know he's going to try and earn a big payday.

Norman Powell - SG/SF, MIA

(ADP: 84)

His 3.0 made threes per game was 19th-best in basketball. While that was with the Clippers, he finds himself in a pretty good situation in Miami with Tyler Herro out. Andrew Wiggins posted just a 25.5% usage rate last year and is not a three-point shooter. Davion Mitchell is not a huge usage player and averaged just 2.9 three-point attempts per game in his career. The Heat are going to need Powell to space the floor and create space in the post for Bam Adebayo and slashing lanes for Wiggins. I think the three-point value will be here again.

Matas Buzelis - SF/PF, CHI

(ADP: 88)

A little over a week ago, I had Buzelis as a sleeper based on his ADP of 110 at the time. That ADP has since been slowly creeping up, and then he went out on Tuesday night and scored 19 points in 18 minutes in the first preseason game. Buzelis shot 36.1% from deep last season, but he played only 19 minutes per game and took only 6.9 total shots per game. However, he joined the Bulls starting lineup in February and took 4.9 three-pointers per game in 22 games between March and April. He also shot 39% from deep over those 22 games. I think this kid is going to be special, and I could see him being a high usage player on this Bulls team.

Cameron Johnson - SF/PF, DEN

(ADP: 92)

Look, Cam Johnson is not going to head to Denver and be a high-usage player, but the good news is that he wasn't one in Brooklyn either. Johnson had just a 22.5% usage rate in Brooklyn last season, but still took 7.2 three-point attempts per game with the Nets, which was 33rd-most in basketball. His 2.8 made three-pointers per game ranked 31st in the NBA, and he shot them at 39%. Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, and Aaron Gordon are not three-point shooters. This is what Johnson was brought to Denver to do, and now he gets to do it on a significantly better team.

NBA: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves
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▶ LATE ROUNDS

De’Andre Hunter - SF/PF, CLE

(ADP: 152)

Hunter was pretty good in Cleveland after coming over in the middle of the season from Atlanta, but a lot of his totals dipped a bit in a bench role. Still, on the season, his 2.5 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 44th in the NBA, and he shot them at a 40.5% clip. With Max Strus hurt and Isaac Okoro no longer in Cleveland, there's a decent chance that Hunter will begin the season as the starting small forward for the Cavs. If that's the case, he should put up something closer to his 6.7 three-point attempts per game with the Hawks, and, considering he's a career 37.3% shooter from deep, that you could be looking at around 2.5 made three-pointers per game while also posting stats across the board on one of the best teams he's ever been on.

Jerami Grant - SF/PF, POR

(ADP: 188)

Last year in Portland, Grant had just a 19.5% usage rate, but he still put up 6.3 three-point attempts per game, which was 49th-best in basketball. He shot them at a 36.5% mark, so he didn't hurt your field goal percentage, and hit 2.3 per game, which made him a value in that category. With Anfernee Simons now in Boston, opportunities are there for the taking. Jrue Holiday was brought in, but he's more of a facilitator than a guard who looks for his own shot. I like Deni Avdija, and Shaedon Sharpe could take a big step forward this year, but he's a career 33% shooter from three, so I don't think he's going to threaten Grant's ability to space the floor. Plus, at this ADP, the risk is so minimal.

Royce O’Neale - SF/PF, PHO

(ADP: 196)

I don't know what O'Neale's role is going to be on this team with Durant gone, but Jalen Green in town. Still, his 2.4 made three-pointers per game last year ranked tied for 46th in the NBA, and he shot them at a career-high 40.6%. There is a chance that Green and Devin Booker will simply shoot so much that O'Neale doesn't get enough opportunities, and that also goes for Grayson Allen - PG/SG/SF, PHO (ADP: 219), but both of these guys are willing to launch from deep and can hit at a high clip, so if we start to see one getting more opportunities this pre-season, it's time to pounce.

Gary Trent - SG/SF, MIL

(ADP: 242)

I mentioned Trent Jr. on Twitter/X as one of my sleepers for this season because I think he has a good chance to start on this Milwaukee team. There are a lot of high usage players in this lineup, but there are also a lot of players who command defensive attention, so Trent is going to be used to space the floor, and he's likely going to get plenty of open looks. His 2.4 made three-pointers per game last year ranked 46th in the NBA, and he shot them at 41.6%, which was the second-best mark of his career. If you need three-point value with one of your last picks, he's perhaps my favorite.

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Novak Djokovic battles into Shanghai semis as Vacherot’s dream run continues

  • Serbian made to work in straight-sets win over Bergs

  • World No 204 takes out Rune to reach the last four

Novak Djokovic battled past a spirited Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals for a 10th time, setting up a clash with surprise package and the world No 204, Valentin Vacherot.

In challenging conditions, Djokovic was made to work harder than the scoreline suggests by his Belgian opponent, who registered more winners than the four-time champion but was undone by unforced errors.

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