The Hawkeyes haven't beaten a ranked opponent since 2021, but they hope their new-look offense makes the difference against the Hoosiers.
No. 4 LSU at No. 13 Ole Miss prediction: Odds, expert picks, team overviews, betting trends, and stats
No. 4 LSU Tigers at No. 13 Ole Miss Rebels Game Preview
"Hell Of A Shooter": Todd McLellan Praises Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
Detroit Red Wings forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygård may be more known for his hard-nosed approach to the game, but he gave Red Wings fans a demonstration of his offensive abilities as well on Thursday night.
He sniped a shot from the face-off circle while the Red Wings enjoyed a first period man-advantage, beating goaltender Alexandar Georgiev cleanly and looking like a 30-goal scorer in the process.
MBN on the POWER PLAY! #LGRWpic.twitter.com/Ta7S1BR1UZ
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) September 25, 2025
While his shooting abilities may be a more sneaky element of his game, head coach Todd McLellan explained that from what he's seen, Brandsegg-Nygård has always been ready to fire away when he gets the puck from a teammate.
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"The information I've received is that he's a hell of a shooter, and I watched the one playoff game in Grand Rapids last year and I thought he set himself up to shoot all the time," McLellan said after Detroit's 5-2 win over Buffalo. "If someone gets him the puck, he's ready to shoot. I think it's a big part of his game, he has that heaviness and all those other things but for me, the shot isn't a surprise. I've been told it and I've witnessed it."
Brandsegg-Nygård himself is adapting to the North American-style of play on the smaller ice surface, having spent last season with Skellefteå AIK.
“I’m just trying to show that I’m willing to play hard to play here, and I know the hockey in the NHL is pretty hard, so trying to get used to that and use my body as much as possible,” Brandsegg-Nygård said.
Red Wings Improve To 2-0 In Pre-Season Play With Dominating Win Over Sabres While it may have only been the second pre-season game, the Detroit Red Wings played as if they were in mid-season form took control over the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena, handily winning not only on the scoreboard but on the shot counter.
Emmitt Finnie, who scored twice during Detroit's pre-season opening victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, nearly had himself his third goal in two games, but his backhand attempt was stopped by Georgiev with only an inch to spare on the goal line.
He spent Thursday's game playing on Detroit's top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, and according to McLellan, he looked the part.
"We've talked about him a lot lately, my opinion hasn't changed - I thought he was a factor," McLellan said. "Both sides of the puck, his pace fit well with Larkin and Raymond. He's a pretty trusting player - it's not just about trying to go out and score a goal, he plays the game with an awareness of what's going on around him, very mature. It was a good night for him."
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The Tigers are enduring one of MLB’s greatest-ever meltdowns. And yet there may be hope
On Wednesday night against the Cleveland Guardians, Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson stood stunned as he watched a routine ground ball spin off his glove and into right field. Later, his teammate, catcher Dillon Dingler, doubled over in disbelief after an innocent foul pop up plopped off his mitt and on to the dirt. These were some of the low-lights of yet another Tigers loss, their eighth straight, a defeat which dropped them completely out of first place for the first time since April, shortly after the 2025 season began.
Collapse is not a powerful enough descriptor to characterize Detroit’s sudden and dramatic downfall, which we’ll get to momentarily. But first, some housekeeping. With three games to go of the regular season, the Tigers and the Guardians are tied for first place in the AL Central, but Cleveland own the tiebreaker as they have the better head-to-head over the course of the season. The Tigers do hold a one-game lead over the Houston Astros for the final wildcard place, but if their collapse continues and the Astros do well in their final games, Detroit would be in serious trouble. For the Tigers, who were skating towards the playoffs with a 9.5-game lead in the AL Central with just 16 to play as recently as 10 September, there are three ways their regular season could end. On Monday morning, their fans could wake up dazed but with a division title, sputtering “it was all just a terrible dream.” Or Detroit could be preparing for a humiliating but somewhat face saving wildcard series. The third option, in which the Astros overtake them and the Tigers miss the postseason altogether, is that the franchise becomes the holder of what is arguably the most catastrophic late season collapse in nearly 150 years of Major League Baseball.
Related: Guardians’ David Fry suffers facial fractures after being hit by 99 mph fastball
At this point, one thing we can definitively say is that these once promising young Tigers are in dire need of a break. By that I mean for a few bounces to go their way, and a couple of days to set their heads straight. Except baseball doesn’t work that way. As Earl Weaver, Baltimore’s Hall-of-Fame manager once told Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell, “This ain’t a football game, kid. We do this every day.”
And it’s that baseball schedule, a 162-game slog that starts in the thaws of March and ends in the early frosts of late September, that is at least partially responsible for the history that made the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies and the 2007 New York Mets the benchmarks for late season swoons. The sheer volume of baseball games in a season opens the door for graphics like this, which claims (ridiculously) that on that same 10 September, Detroit had a 100% chance of making the playoffs. Now they don’t know if they’re going anywhere other than Cancún. This couldn’t happen in most other sports, where, for example, a four-game divisional lead in the NBA feels like eight, and, well, a division title really doesn’t matter and sliding down a few seeds has minor consequences.
In the pre-division MLB alignment up of 1964, when the Phillies blew their 6.5 game lead with 12 to play, the result was brutal: a blown National League pennant. In the wild card era of 2007, when the Mets, who are on the verge of making their own piece of miserable history this season, blew a seven-game lead with 17 to play, they wound up missing out on the playoffs entirely. If the Tigers earn a wildcard berth over the Astros, they’ll be forced to play, guess who, the Guardians in a three-game series, and all those match-ups will be played in Cleveland.
And yet, with such a long season, streaks of such malaise are not unheard of, even for strong teams. The 2000 New York Yankees finished the season 3-14 and went on to win their third World Series title in four years. So when AJ Hinch’s Tigers, a relatively young, inexperienced club, slumped to a 1-14 stretch in July, was it unnerving? Yes. But then they righted the ship and hit their high-water mark of 25 games over .500 on 23 August. Criticism of team president Scott Harris – who passed on adding a big bat to protect the farm system despite a good but not great lineup – quieted once the team turned things around. Now? Well, it’s a different story altogether, with the once celebrated Harris being universally vilified by the locals.
With soon to be multi-Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal under team control for just one more year and the team on the verge of making the wrong kind of history, all of the franchise’s recent accomplishments are on the verge of being cast in the darkest shadow baseball can offer. Their unexpected playoff run in 2024? Owning the best record in baseball earlier this season? Sending six players to the All-Star Game? The reclamation of all-star Javier Baez (once considered one of the worst free agent contracts in baseball history)? yet another incredible season from Skubal? Torkelson, the former No 1 overall draft pick, who wasn’t even guaranteed a starting place in Spring Training, finally fulfilling his potential? Right now, that’s all gone.
Instead, the city of Detroit is deep into the full-blown panic that takes over when a sports plague sucks up every ounce of oxygen available. Tuning into local sports talk radio for just five minutes on Thursday revealed hosts and callers arguing over whether it’s better to miss the playoffs altogether rather than suffer the embarrassment of a wildcard series. One host decried that the “anything can happen in the playoffs” mantra sounded a lot like “trying your luck as a 16th seed in an NCAA basketball tournament.” Gulp.
“To be honest, people are embarrassed by it, because you take pride in your city,” says Deadline Detroit journalist Allan Lengel (disclaimer: yes, he’s a relation). “And so this is another national embarrassment, and we’re kind of hoping that nobody in other cities is paying attention, but, you know, I’m getting little notes from people: ‘Oh my God … what’s going on with the Tigers?’”
What’s going on is that their fanbase is so low, they can’t begin to imagine the team winning another game, and that’s in a sport where you can run into a win here and there almost by accident.
All that said, for a collapse of this type to unfold, it does take two to tango, and what Cleveland have pulled off is nearly as remarkable. On 4 September, the Guardians were in third place with a 69-70 record, 11 games behind Detroit – only slightly better than their 15.5 game July deficit. Then, just as the Tigers were gearing up for their sudden slide, Cleveland put together a run of 19 games where they won all but two games and outscored their opponents 86 to 32, while posting a 1.35 ERA, a truly jaw dropping set of results.
That staggering run came to a close on Thursday night, with Detroit snapping their slide, moving back into a dead heat with their rust-belt rivals. But as it’s been with the September version of the Tigers, even the good news isn’t good: Cleveland own the tiebreaker, so even when Detroit is even, they’re still effectively in second place. To finish the season, Cleveland are at home to Texas, who have nothing to play for while Detroit head to Boston whose games should still matter as the AL playoff picture takes form.
What’s good? Well, maybe it’s that Detroit, a city that’s had its share of both real life and sports setbacks, is back in a more familiar place – as underdogs.
Friday's Blackhawks Practice Groups Suggest Decisions Aren't Made After All
The Chicago Blackhawks looked to be sending hints regarding their potential opening night roster with their practice groups on Thursday, but there is nothing final set yet.
For one, the “NHL group” had more players than spots available. Secondly, Jeff Blashill said after practice that there were still spots to be earned by certain players on the “AHL team” and that these can change from day to day during camp.
For Friday’s practice, we are already seeing that he was telling the truth. Kevin Korchinaki and Nolan Allan will make the switch to the NHL-loaded “Team 1” while Louis Crevier and Matt Grzelcyk (PTO) are going to skate with the AHL-filled “Team 2”.
Both of these young defensemen will see NHL time in 2025-26. Louis Crevier will as well. It all depends on who’s healthy, playing well, and what the team’s situation is at the time. If Matt Grzelcyk signs a deal with Chicago after camp, he is sure to play in the NHL. He didn’t come to this camp with any intentions of playing in the AHL. He will move on to another team before that happens.
The “unavailable list” remains unchanged from Thursday. Laurent Brossoit and Ty Henry will stay out. AJ Spellacy, Brett Seney, Landon Slaggert, and Samuel Savoie are all skating before practice but haven’t joined the team on the ice yet.
In terms of preseason action, the Blackhawks will travel to play the St. Louis Blues on Saturday and the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. Expect these groups to continue to be shaken up so they can decide on how to handle these two weekend games.
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Calum Ritchie Continues Making Waves In Bid for Islanders Roster Spot
NEW YORK, NY -- The chances of New York Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie making the team out of training camp are slim -- it's not zero.
And the more he plays, the more enticing it's getting to picture him flying up the ice at the NHL level. He's playing with that pace, poise, and hockey sense that Patrick Roy has been craving.
Patrick Roy's Latest Comments On Islanders Prospect Calum RitchieEAST MEADOW, NY -- When the New York Islanders acquired center prospect Calum Ritchie from the Colorado Avalanche in the Brock Nelson deal, they knew they were getting a player who would help this franchise for a long time.
It's exactly what general manager Mathieu Darche is looking for, which is why on Jeff Marek's The Sheet, the first-year general manager said that if Ritchie plays well enough, he'll make room for him.
In Ritchie's first preseason game, he scored a goal and recorded an assist in a 6-2 losing effort. While recording power-play points is important, which both were, we weren't really able to see his 5-on-5 game enough since the New Jersey Devils controlled much of the posession throughout the game.
But, against the Rangers, a pointless night for the 20-year-old, Ritchie showed exactly why he's a top prospect. His ability to skate, use his body, and read the ice in front of him doesn't just make him good -- it makes him dangerous.
He makes so many subtle plays that make the game easier for his linemates. He had one nifty pass to Emil Heineman in the neutral zone, which allowed No. 51 to break over the Rangers' blue line with ease off the rush for what was almost a breakaway.
He had a one-handed chip pass off the bench boards to lead to another transition chance.
Defensively, which may be the most important thing a young player can demonstrate, Ritchie was rarely out of position, and his active stick allowed him to intercept a few passes.
In the second period, he stripped a puck at his own blue line before turning on the jets. He cut across the high slot and, instead of taking a low-danger shot, he held onto the puck, drawing a few defensemen his way before another strong pass to Heineman, who just sailed the shot wide.
Really good sequence from Cal Ritchie here:
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 26, 2025
-Creates the turnover
-Uses patience to try and create a scoring chance#Islespic.twitter.com/lI3mEBOHSg
His strong defensive play earned him an opportunity to defend a 6-on-5 situation late, helping the Islanders come away with a slim 5-4 victory.
"I trust him. I like his 200-foot game. He's playing well offensively, but he can also defend," Roy said postgame. "That's the first thing you want to know with younger guys [...] he's certainly going to make our decision very difficult.
"He's very poised with the puck. He moves the puck well. He spins very well and creates space for himself very well. So, I mean, it's interesting for a young guy like him."
Following the game, Ritchie was honored to get the late-game opportunity.
"Yeah, it means a lot," Ritchie told The Hockey News. "It's the type of player that I want to be. I want to be trusted by my coaches in any situation. And yeah, I think obviously being on the ice in a 6-on-5 is really important. I just try to do my best to be in the lane, block some shots, and [Isaiah] George had a big block at the end, so that was huge for the win."
THN spoke to Islanders veteran Kyle Palmieri, who skated on a line with Ritchie, to get his thoughts on the youngster.
"There's a learning curve. I think he had the taste of the NHL last year. I think that's good for him to be more comfortable coming into camp," Palmieri said. " But it's the NHL. He was matched up against two good centermen tonight. We were out there against Miller and Trocheck, and it's tough. There's a learning curve. And we talked after the goal we had scored against us. It's the attention to detail you have to have, especially as a centerman. Yeah, there are growing pains. So you knew there'd always be it.
"Everyone goes through them. I thought he played a great game. He got a great head on his shoulders, and to learn from it, he keeps trying to get better every day."
As a young player, when a coach gives you minutes defending a 6-on-5 late in a game, that certainly means something.
"I look back long time ago now, but when I was young and trying to break into the league, if there was any sort of lead with 10 or 12 minutes left, I was basically stapled to the bench," Palmieri said. "It teaches you a lot, and then eventually you get the opportunity to prove yourself, and you learn from your mistakes. It's part of that process of maturing and getting used to playing in this league against the best players in the world.
"I got nothing but good things to say about him, the way he's carried himself, and the way he came into camp."
The question began with whether or not Ritchie would play well enough to make the Islanders out of training camp.
Now, the question shifts to who will come out to make room for Ritchie, or will injuries take care of that?
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Sharks unveil new Heritage 2.0 throwback jerseys for upcoming 2025-26 NHL season
Sharks unveil new Heritage 2.0 throwback jerseys for upcoming 2025-26 NHL season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
- Editor’s note: Sheng Peng is a regular contributor to NBC Sports California’s Sharks coverage. You can read more of his coverage on San Jose Hockey Now, listen to him on the San Jose Hockey Now Podcast, and follow him on Twitter at @Sheng_Peng.
The Sharks are unveiling new jerseys.
In honor of their 35th anniversary, the Sharks are donning Heritage 2.0 sweaters.
These uniforms are a recreation of the San Jose’s second-generation Nike jerseys, worn from 1998 to 2007.
San Jose will wear its Heritage 2.0 uniforms four times this NHL season. These will be Alumni Games that feature appearances from classic Sharks:
- Thursday, Oct. 30 vs. New Jersey Devils: Jeff Friesen, Kyle McLaren and Mark Smith
- Thursday, Nov. 20 vs. Los Angeles Kings: Joe Thornton Hall of Fame Celebration Game
- Wednesday, Dec. 3 vs. Washington Capitals: Patrick Marleau, Evgeni Nabokov and Mike Ricci
- Sunday, March 1 vs. Winnipeg Jets: Scott Hannan, Owen Nolan and Scott Thornton
Read the full story on San Jose Hockey Now
Rangers PTO Addition Making Big Case For Contract
The New York Rangers have several players to keep an eye on as the preseason carries on. One of them is Conor Sheary, as the veteran forward is on a professional tryout (PTO) and looking to secure a contract for the season from the Rangers.
Right now, Sheary is undoubtedly making a case for himself to get a contract, as he has had a strong start to the preseason.
During the Rangers' first preseason game against the New Jersey Devils on Sep. 21, Sheary scored an excellent goal to give the Blueshirts a 3-1 lead. Now, in the Rangers' latest preseason matchup against the New York Islnaders on Sep. 25, the 33-year-old once again made an impact.
Sheary put together a multi-point night for the Rangers against the Islanders, as he recorded two assists in the contest. Yet, besides getting two helpers, he also stood out because of his effort. Thus, it was an all-around solid effort for the Massachusetts native.
It will now be fascinating to see how Sheary builds on his strong preseason from here. If he keeps this up, he could very well officially be a Ranger for the year once the regular season starts.
In 593 career NHL games over 10 seasons split between the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, Washington Capitals, and Tampa Bay Lightning, Sheary has recorded 124 goals, 143 assists, and 267 points.
Scottie Pippen claims Steph Curry ‘wouldn't be the same' if he played in the '90s
Scottie Pippen claims Steph Curry ‘wouldn't be the same' if he played in the '90s originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Comparing different eras of NBA basketball is impossible, yet we do it anyway.
Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen was asked who would win between his 1995-96 Bulls team and the 2016-17 Warriors, and Pippen didn’t hold back his thoughts on Golden State star Steph Curry.
“It depends on the rules,” Pippen said in a recent interview with MARCA (h/t Golden State Warriors on SI.com). “If you play by today’s rules, it would be one thing. But with the rules of the ’90s, Curry wouldn’t be the same. If we played in his era, it would be like playing freely: no one holds you, no one stops you. I don’t know who would win.”
Pippen’s take on the subject could be personal. In the 2016-17 NBA season, the Golden State Warriors surpassed the 1995-96 Bulls for the best regular-season record in NBA history, achieving a 73-9 mark.
“We weren’t built to shoot 25-50 3-pointers per game,” Pippen continued. “They would probably win that way because they have two of the best shooters in Steph and Klay [Thompson]. But we played physical. We defended hard. We made teams score only 75-80 points. Today, that’s almost impossible.”
The game was much different in the 1990s compared to now, but the numbers still don’t lie. Curry averaged 25.3 points, 6.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 79 games in 2016-17. Michael Jordan averaged 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 82 games in 1995-96. Pippen’s numbers were never close to either Curry’s or Jordan’s.
Pippen claimed that his 1995-96 Bulls team is the greatest team of all time “on paper,” but thinks that the Warriors would win in a hypothetical matchup because of their shooting ability.
When comparing the two squads, the only argument Chicago has is that they have the ring to show for their regular-season efforts. Golden State lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games, giving Lebron James his third championship.
Fans will never know who would win between these two super teams, but the debate will continue for decades.
Fantasy Basketball Centers 2025-26: Top 50 rankings, season outlooks, key stats
The 2025-26 NBA season is fast approaching, and what better time to break down Rotoworld’s positional rankings?
You can find our Top 50 guards here and our Top 50 forwards here. Now, it’s time to break down the top-50 big men.
In the realm of fantasy hoops, Nikola Jokic has reigned supreme as the top center and fantasy’s top player for the better part of the last five seasons. He’s been mostly untouchable thanks to his elite passing abilities and penchant for stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis. Third-year phenom Victor Wembanyama can get it done in a number of ways, but is he a legitimate threat to dethrone Joker as fantasy’s top center?
Here’s how we value the top 50 centers in fantasy basketball for the 2025-26 season, starting with Joker.
Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworld’s fantasy basketball draft coverage.
1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers
There’s Nikola Jokic, and then there’s everyone else. Over the last five seasons, Joker has won three MVPs and arguably should have won five straight.
But we’re not here to talk about voter fatigue.
Jokic became just the third player - and first center - in NBA history to average a triple-double when he reached double figures in points, rebounds and assists during the 2024-25 campaign. Most impressively, he ranked top-5 in all three of those categories and, surprisingly, also in steals.
He became the first player in NBA history with a 30/20/20 game when he dropped 31/21/22 in an OT victory over the Suns on March 7, showcasing his monstrous upside to win fantasy managers their weeks on the back of just one game.
Simply put, Jokic is in a class of his own, and his gaudy numbers across multiple key categories keep him in the conversation as fantasy basketball’s top overall player.
2. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks, 3.1 three-pointers
Wemby is the only other center whose name can be whispered in the same breath as Joker’s. The extraterrestrial landed in 2023 with a resounding Rookie of the Year campaign, and he was even better in Year 2.
Wemby’s skillset is freakish, and his out-of-this-world contributions on the defensive end give him an elite boost in the realm of fantasy hoops. Injuries derailed a promising 2024-25 season, but availability is the only concern here.
He should be a 20/10/3 guy who averages close to five steals+blocks per contest, making him a guy who can challenge Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for fantasy’s top spot.
3. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks, 2.0 three-pointers made
Towns’ production had seen a steady decline in consecutive seasons in Minnesota, but the move to New York revitalized his career and propelled him back into the top-10 in fantasy hoops.
A perennial first-rounder, KAT’s fantasy appeal waned before his trade to the Knicks, but his value is at an all-time high. New York gave him the starting center gig, and for much of the season, he led the Association in rebounds per game.
Towns found his groove as the 1b to Jalen Brunson’s 1a on offense while chipping in serviceable defensive numbers to go with an elite effort on the glass.
Mitchell Robinson’s availability could eat into Towns’ rebounding numbers marginally, but there’s no reason to think the latter will cause a major disruption to another top-10 campaign for the Big KAT.
4. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers
Sengun is Jokic 3.0, or Domantas Sabonis 2.0, depending on how you look at it. He’s a gifted passing center, which is typically a cheat code in the realm of fantasy hoops.
The big man grabbed a career-high 10.3 rebounds per game, but he took a step back across most other statistical categories. Most notably, Sengun’s shooting percentages regressed, and he shot below 50% from the field and 70% from the charity stripe.
His defensive contributions don’t show up as gaudy numbers in the box score, and he’s not a gifted three-point shooter. Sengun is a traditional center who thrives in the paint, but he doesn’t boast elite FG% or blocks as some of his peers with a similar skillset do.
Fantasy managers drafting him will have to bank on improved efficiency and a significant step forward in assists if they hope for him to reach his ceiling.
5. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.6 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year didn’t rack up blocks and steals at an elite clip like some of his contemporaries, but make no mistake about it, he is a lethal defender. Mobley finished 10th in blocks overall and 15th in steals among centers.
Mobley isn’t looked at as a premier passer in the same way that Jokic, Sengun and Sabonis are, but he’s quite an effective playmaker from his position.
He matched his career high in assists in 2024-25 while posting a new career best in the scoring department. His rebounds and defensive contributions were in line with previous seasons’ production, but he took a noticeable step forward as a shooter.
Mobley tripled his three-pointers from 0.4 to 1.2 without sacrificing efficiency. His FG% slipped to 55.7%, but it was a negligible change from the 58% he shot a season ago. Mobley also knocked down a career-best 72.5% of his shots from the charity stripe.
Strong production across the board, improved efficiency and the addition of a three-point shot propelled Mobley into the second round in 2024-25, and fantasy managers should expect the same in 2025-26.
6. Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.4 blocks, 0.9 three-pointers
Sabonis led the Association in triple-doubles during the 2023-24 campaign before ceding that title to Jokic last season. In lieu of a second straight triple-double title, he picked up the rebounding title while corralling nearly 14 boards per game.
Sabonis is an otherworldly passer at his position, and he’s consistently among the league leaders in rebounds. A lack of strong defensive contributions in the box score and absence of an outside shot have kept him out of the top-3 conversation, and there’s no reason to expect a drastic change in any of those categories in 2025-26.
7. Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.0 blocks, 2.2 three-pointers
Indiana’s longest-tenured player finally departed last offseason. After nearly a decade of trade rumors and speculation, Turner will suit up for another squad in 2025-26.
Brook Lopez went west when he signed with the Clippers, and Turner will fill in the vacant center position in Milwaukee. Bobby Portis is an excellent backup, but Turner should get the lion’s share of minutes at the position.
Milwaukee’s depth chart isn’t exactly deep at any position, so fantasy managers should expect plenty of playing time, plenty of touches and strong production. Turner isn’t an adept rebounder, but he’s a perfect BroLo replacement - a center who likes to block shots and step outside for a three-pointer. Another top-50 season is on the horizon.
8. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.7 steals, 2.2 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers
Holmgren, much like Turner above, had a pretty forgettable playoff run. Fortunately for fantasy managers, only regular season stats are counted.
After missing the entirety of what would have been his rookie season due to a broken foot, Holmgren roared back with 82 games in 2023-24. Following that fully-healthy campaign, he appeared in just 32 games in 2024-25 after fracturing his hip early in the season.
Holmgren’s 2024-25 numbers were comparable to those in 2023-24 despite playing two fewer minutes. His efficiency dipped slightly, but we’ll cut him a break, as he was playing at less than 100%. He finished just inside the fourth round in per-game fantasy value, but he has first-round upside. Fantasy managers can get Holmgren at a discount on draft day and should take advantage of the value.
9. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 18.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.0 three-pointers
For the fifth straight season, Adebayo averaged these numbers or better: 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and 0.7 blocked shots. Consistency is key with the big man, and fantasy managers spending a mid-round selection on him will get a well-established floor. The emergence of Kel’El Ware in Miami’s double-big lineups didn’t hamper Adebayo’s production, and he should be in line for another productive season. Tyler Herro’s absence to start the season could mean more offensive looks for the big man, as he averaged 24.8 points across four games without Herro last season. The emergence of a three-point shot gives Bam’s fantasy skillset another dimension, though it did result in his first season shooting under 50% from the field.
10. Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
The force was truly strong with “Zubacca” in 2024-25 as the big man enjoyed the best statistical season of his career, posting career highs in points and rebounds and assists.
He finished 30th in per-game fantasy value and was ninth overall in total value thanks to his 80 games played.
Zubac tied for second-most 20-rebound games (5) and games with 20 points and 20 boards (4). LA’s center depth is a little better than it was a season ago thanks to the addition of Brook Lopez, but Lopez is a three-and-D center who won’t eat significantly into Zoob’s traditional role in the paint. He might not be a top-30 guy again, but he could push for top-50 numbers.
11. Nikola Vučević, Chicago Bulls
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 1.8 three-pointers
Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated each and every season. This guy just won’t go away! Fantasy managers continue to balk at drafting him in the third through fifth rounds of fantasy drafts, as they wait for a dropoff that doesn’t seem to be coming anytime soon.
Vooch finished 47th in per-game and 12th in totals last season while appearing in 73 games. He’s been the model of consistency and durability throughout his career, and until Chicago finally moves him, there’s no reason to expect a sharp dropoff in production.
12. Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers
After a noticeable dip in points and boards from Year 1 to Year 2, Kessler came roaring back to life in Year 3 with career highs in both categories and his usual allotment of swats. The big man is dreadful at the free-throw line, but he offers a reliable floor thanks to his elite rebounding, FG% and blocks. He finished inside the top-50 in per-game production a season ago and should have similar output in 2025-26. The Jazz currently have veterans Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Love backing up Kessler, but it would be shocking if either player was on the roster by the end of the season.
13. Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 13.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
Allen finished the 2024-25 campaign with a four-year low in points and five-year lows in rebounds and minutes. He swatted less than one shot per game for the first time in his career, though his FG% represents a new career best. Cleveland cut playing time for its starters across the board, choosing to share the love and trust the bench. The formula worked as the Cavs won 64 games and secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference. With Cleveland’s “anti-Thibodeau” rotation methodology and the continued ascension of Evan Mobley, don’t expect a big shift in numbers from Allen in 2025-26.
14. Kristaps Porziņģis, Atlanta Hawks
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 2.5 three-pointers
As always, availability should be at the forefront of fantasy managers’ minds when considering Porzingis on draft day. The big man is consistently ranked in the top-30 in per-game fantasy value, and he’s got a monster ceiling to go off on any given night. The problem is his injury history and lack of games played throughout his career. KP could have some strong performances in Atlanta, but with a depth of talent in the frontcourt, the Hawks won’t rush him out on the court if he’s not at 100%. He’s a fine later-round fantasy selection with a ton of built-in risk.
15. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.2 three-pointers
In two seasons since winning the MVP in 2022-23, Embiid has appeared in just 58 games. He was limited to just 19 last season and looked far from healthy when on the court. The knee injury that hampered him surely contributed to his sharp decline in production, and it eventually required surgery. It’s unclear if he’ll be ready for opening night, and fantasy managers taking a shot on him can’t spend an early-round pick given the massive risk. When healthy, he’s got No. 1 overall upside, but he simply can’t be trusted right now given the health concerns.
16. Mark Williams, Phoenix Suns
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
Williams posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists last season while also knocking down a career-best 80.2% of his attempts from the charity stripe. Unfortunately, his 44 games played also represented a career high. Availability has been a glaring concern for Williams in his three years in the Association, as he’s appeared in just 106 of 246 total games. The big man was dealt to the Suns where he’ll presumably slot in as the team’s starting center. Rookie Khaman Maluach will be chomping at the bit behind him, and fantasy managers who take Williams would be wise to handcuff him with Maluach.
17. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 11.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
Duren’s Year 3 production dipped slightly from Year 2, but that was in large part due to the three fewer minutes per game he played. His per-36 numbers were similar, indicating no significant dropoff when on the court. Duren’s points and rebounds slipped, but he set career highs in assists, steals, blocked shots and FG% (69.2). Detroit, much like Cleveland, was generous with its minutes distribution, and that trend should continue in 2025-26. Don’t expect huge minutes from Duren, but he can still be taken confidently as a late-round center option with top-75 upside.
18. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers
The lottery pick out of UConn made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign, filling in for Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams as needed and ending the season as Portland’s starting center. While his season-long numbers were solid, Clingan was even better as a starter. In 37 appearances with the first unit, the big man averaged 7.9 points, 10 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.1 blocked shots. His FG% isn’t elite, and his FT% is dreadful, but if you can stomach poor efficiency, you’ll get a 10/10 guy who can rack up defensive stats with the best of them.
19. Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 13.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers
Okongwu posted the best numbers of his career, setting new career-best marks in points, rebounds, assists, steals and triples. His 27.5 minutes per game were the most of his career, though he only started 42 of 74 games in which he played. Production hasn’t been an issue for Okongwu throughout his career. Getting on the court has been a major impediment to his growth, as the talented big man has had to play behind Clint Capela and now faces the challenge of competing with Kristaps Porzingis and a surging Jalen Johnson. The talent and skillset are there for Okongwu to be a fantasy stud, but will he get the time he needs?
20. Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
Poeltl posted career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and minutes (29.6) in 2024-25, and his tremendous season earned him a four-year, $104 million extension in July. Set to anchor Toronto’s frontcourt for the foreseeable future, expect the big man to approach 30 minutes and rack up plenty of counting stats. The Raptors’ center depth is bereft of big-time talent, setting Poeltl up nicely to push for another career year.
21. Deandre Ayton, Los Angeles Lakers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.0 block, 0.2 three-pointers
Ayton has been a slow and steady contributor since getting drafted first overall in 2018, but his production has never been elite. Last season saw him tie his career low in points and finish with the second-lowest rebound mark of his career. Don’t expect a bounce-back in the scoring department as he plays alongside LeBron James, Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Ayton should see big minutes at center for a team that’s desperately needed a quality big man, so a 10/10 season with a block and efficient FG% seems like a reasonable projection.
22. Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 12.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
At this point in his career, Gobert is an unremarkable, yet serviceable, fantasy option with a low ceiling. His 12 points per game represent a 10-year low, and his 10.9 boards and 1.4 blocks are his second-lowest marks in that span. Gobert’s floor is a 10/10 average with low turnovers, high FG% and a block per game, but he’s certainly not going to thrill fantasy managers with those numbers. He’s best viewed as a late-round center option with a steady floor and limited upside.
23. Isaiah Hartenstein, Oklahoma City Thunder
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
Hartenstein enjoyed a strong finish to the 2023-24 campaign, making the most of his extended playing time and usage due to numerous frontcourt injuries in New York. He departed after the season and got paid by OKC, showing the team’s faith in the newly-acquired big man. Hartenstein made good on OKC’s pay day, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots and minutes. Hartenstein issued the first month of the season due to injury, but he hit the ground running, playing key minutes in the frontcourt while Chet Holmgren was sidelined. Hartenstein should continue to see solid minutes alongside Holmgren, but if Holmgren doesn’t miss over half the season, the former’s production could take a hit.
24. Alexandre Sarr, Washington Wizards
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, 1.6 three-pointers
Sarr was effective as a rookie, showcasing his offensive versatility and defensive prowess with strong production as a three-point shooter and shot-blocker. The big man logged 27.1 minutes per game as a rookie, but he should see north of 30 minutes per game in Year 2 with even less competition for touches and playing time. Washington’s roster is one of the youngest and expected to finish with one of the worst records in the Association. The team is fully committed to its young core, of which Sarr is the centerpiece. He’s an intriguing, late-round center option in fantasy basketball drafts.
25. Nic Claxton, Brooklyn Nets
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.4 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers
Though Claxton logged 70 games last season, he played at less than 100% for much of the campaign as he battled a nagging back injury. He logged only 26.9 minutes, but court time wasn’t the main reason for his dip in production. Claxton’s per-36 numbers were lower than they were in each of the last two seasons, but there’s optimism for 2025-26. If Claxton can come into the season healthy and push for 28-30 minutes, he can be a mid-round center option with strong rebound and block numbers. He finished outside the top-120 last season, but he should be better moving forward, making him a value pick in fantasy drafts.
26. Dereck Lively II, Dallas Mavericks
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
27. Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.3 three-pointers
28. Daniel Gafford, Dallas Mavericks
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.8 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
29. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers
30. Yves Missi, New Orleans Pelicans
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
31. Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
32. Brook Lopez, LA Clippers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.9 blocks, 1.7 three-pointers
33. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers
34. Kel’El Ware, Miami Heat
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.5 three-pointers
35. Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
36. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets
Position: C
2024-25 college stats (Creighton): 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers
37. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans
Position: C
2024-25 college stats (Maryland): 16.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks, 0.2 three-pointers
38. Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 6.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.3 three-pointers
39. Khaman Maluach, Phoenix Suns
Position: C
2024-25 college stats (Duke): 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals, 1.3 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers
40. Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 1.2 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
41. Jonas Valančiūnas, Denver Nuggets
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.1 three-pointers
42. Kyle Filipowski, Utah Jazz
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 9.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.1 three-pointers
43. Al Horford, Free Agent
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers
44. Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 5.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
45. Chris Boucher, Boston Celtics
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.4 three-pointers
46. Noah Clowney, Brooklyn Nets
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 9.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 0.5 blocks, 1.9 three-pointers
47. Jusuf Nurkić, Utah Jazz
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 8.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.6 three-pointers
48. Hansen Yang, Portland Trail Blazers
Position: C
2024-25 international stats (Qingdao, Chinese Basketball Association): 16.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 2.6 blocks, 0.4 three-pointers
49. Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies
Positions: PF/C
2024-25 stats: 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
50. Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics
Position: C
2024-25 stats: 5.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.7 blocks, 0.0 three-pointers
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Ramp to Camp: Predicting Celtics' win total, and how 2025-26 season ends
Ramp to Camp: Predicting Celtics' win total, and how 2025-26 season ends originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
It’s the end of the road for our Ramp to Camp series. So, it’s only fitting we try to predict how the 2025-26 season will end for the Boston Celtics.
For the 20th and final installment of Ramp to Camp, we asked our panel to predict both the Celtics’ final win total for the upcoming campaign, and how exactly the season will end.
Maybe this writer is just drunk on Green Kool-Aid from being over at the Auerbach Center this week. Maybe we’re just feeling all the positive vibes as new owner Bill Chisholm ascends to the big chair. Or maybe we’re overreacting to watching Jayson Tatum saunter across the court at the Auerbach Center looking impossibly smooth despite still being in the early stages of his rehab from Achilles surgery. Or maybe we’ve just heard too many tales of just how energized Joe Mazzulla is to coach this new-look group.
We think this team is going to surprise people. We see a current over/under of 40.5 wins at sportsbooks and wonder if anyone told them that Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard are still on this roster.
Sure, we acknowledge that there are voids to fill on this team. You don’t lose the likes of Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, AND Luke Kornet and not have a frontcourt to rebuild. We’ll relent that the margin for error is far slimmer, and even a minor injury could really complicate matters for the Celtics.
But we also refuse to believe this team won’t be competitive on a night-to-night basis. We’re certain that the players on this roster are ready for bigger roles and more opportunity. We’re certain that the banners hanging above the parquet will be a constant reminder of what everyone is working to get back to. We’re certain Mazzulla will have the Celtics operate with a collective chip on their shoulder.
We have the Celtics at 46-36 and fighting for a spot in the top half of the Eastern Conference playoff bracket. We suspect the Cavaliers, Knicks, Magic, and Pistons will finish ahead of Boston. But the Celtics will be in the mix with Atlanta and Milwaukee for a spot in that No. 4-No. 6 seed range.
What happens from there? We suspect it all depends on if and when Tatum is back on the court, how close he is to his old form, and if the Celtics elect to toss him into playoff basketball. But we’re calling it now: Boston wins a first-round series and heads into the summer of 2026 convinced that this team will be back in title contention for the 2026-27 campaign.
Again, a lot has to go right. The Celtics really need some less-than-established big men to make some strides. But the Brown-White-Pritchard trio can hold the fort with help from Sam Hauser and some of the newcomers. Tatum’s return will ensure a brighter future regardless of how it all plays out. The absence of expectations will allow this team to play free, and there will be far more good nights than bad.
Let’s get the new season started.
Here are the predictions our panel made:
Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor
The Celtics go 43-39, extending their streak of non-losing seasons to 11 and barely avoiding the play-in tournament as the No. 6 seed in the East.
They match up with the No. 3 seed Magic in Round 1, and while Tatum is back in the lineup, he’s not quite up to full speed. Orlando exacts revenge for its 2025 first-round exit by dispatching the pesky Celtics in seven games.
The good news: There’s plenty of optimism heading into 2026-27, with Neemias Queta looking like a legitimate starting center and Payton Pritchard emerging as a go-to starting guard alongside Derrick White.
Michael Hurley, Web Producer
Final record: 46-36. Having a superstar player should be enough to be better than .500. Having a solid organization from the front office to the coaching staff should be worth something, too. I’d be shocked if they bottom out and end up in the lottery or something to that effect.
I think a ton of the roster will get tremendous opportunity to develop just by virtue of the minutes that are needed to be played, and I think if they end up avoiding the play-in tournament, they could beat a No. 3 seed in a first-round series.
That would be a pretty good season without their best player, even if doesn’t lead to them drafting in the top 10.
Sean McGuire, Web Producer
I’m projecting Boston finishes 48-34 on the season. They make the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, upset the No. 3 seed Indiana Pacers in six games and then fall in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Too much green drink? Maybe. But I’d be more than content with it.
Josh Canu, Media Editor
Final record: 51-31. I am pretty optimistic with this team in terms of the regular season. I think the mix of experience, motivation, and the pace I expect them to play with will win them a lot of games.
Depth is still my biggest concern, but I think they have enough on most nights to be a top-four seed on the East without Tatum.
Kevin Miller, VP, Content
I’m predicting 45-37 and a second-round playoff exit, which sets the table for an aggressive offseason.
Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy
Final record: 44-38. The Celtics make the playoffs outright; no play-in tournament. They pick 17th in the NBA Draft, which is a little low for their liking, but isn’t a competitive season more exciting anyway?
Neemias Queta will move into a legit role, which will be a nice win for Brad Stevens as Queta enters the final year of an affordable contract.
Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host
I have the Celtics at 43-39 and finishing sixth in the East. They make the playoffs and lose in the first round to the Knicks in a rematch series. Jayson Tatum is back for that series and Neemias Queta becomes the team’s most improved player.
'No evidence Rangers are getting there'
Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield on TNT Sports
In transition it looked as if Genk could have scored a few more goals. It felt almost inevitable Oh was going to put one in the back of the net. Rangers are not in a great place and the performance embodied that.
It's a crowd now who are so disillusioned with what's going on here.
Former Rangers striker Rory Loy on BBC's Scottish football podcast
You don't see any signs of really what Russell Martin is trying to implement. He talks about dominating the ball and having possession, but it isn't with any great purpose.
John Souttar and Derek Cornelius must pass the ball to each other I don't know how many times without it actually going up the pitch.
Ex-Rangers striker Steven Thompson on BBC Sportsound
The onus has to be on the players as well. The transfer of the ball through the thirds is so laborious. The supporters are urging the players to do things quicker, and they're just not.
Everything is so predictable and so slow in the build-up that it's easy to defend against. How long are we going to keep hearing 'We're going to get there' for?
Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson on BBC Sportsound
Rangers went down with a whimper. The feeling within the stadium is there is no belief from the players.
There is no evidence in that performance that Rangers are getting there. Genk were going through the motions, they were in control, even if Rangers kept 11 men on the field. Fans can't keep coming to watch a Rangers side accept defeat like that.
There is a way of winning, and a way of losing. That's not the way you lose a football game.
Ex-Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday on BBC Sportsound
Rangers didn't make Genk defend at any point. It was another underwhelming performance. I'm not seeing enough that suggests there's going to be an improvement by the time they travel to Sturm Graz in two weeks two.
Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist on TNT Sports
With the greatest respect, Genk are bang average. Rangers didn't pose them anywhere near enough problems. Previous Rangers sides would've wiped the floor with them.
First-Round Fantasy Basketball Draft Strategy: Every Pick Analyzed (1-12)
Securing a top-tier talent in the first round of a fantasy basketball draft is essential. But who should you pick after Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama? Our comprehensive guide breaks down what to do with every pick from 1 to 12. Get expert analysis on players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo to ensure your fantasy roster is set up for success from the jump. Don't leave your first-round decision to chance.
Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide: Who to Pick 1-12
1st pick: Nikola Jokic, Nuggets 
You can't go wrong between Jokic and Wemby for the top pick in your draft, but we're going to take a stand and ride with Jokic. Joker has been a Top 3 player in five straight seasons. He's coming off the best statistical year of his career, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.6 blocks and 2.0 threes per game. Nobody fills every category like that, especially since he has some of the best shooting efficiency as well. Not to mention, Joker has played at least 69 games in all 10 seasons, making him one of the most reliable players in the league.
2nd pick: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs 
Jokic and Wembanyama should be the first two picks in every fantasy draft, and you need to take whichever one falls to that spot. These two lap the field, and you've stumbled into the best draft spot with the second overall selection. Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, 3.8 blocks and 3.1 threes per game last year. That's even more impressive when you consider he won't turn 22 years old until January.
3rd pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder 
It's disappointing to miss out on Joker and Wemby, but SGA is a nice consolation prize at three. The MVP was the highest-ranked player on Yahoo last season, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He also shot nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line on 8.8 attempts per game, which is an underrated asset for the rest of your roster. He can't stuff the stat sheet quite like the other two, but snatching the league's leading scorer and MVP at third is nothing to complain about.
4th pick: Luka Doncic, Lakers 
This is another one where some people will take Luka at three and SGA at four, but whoever falls here is an immense value. Everyone knows about the Doncic trade, but it appears to have lit a fire under the Slovenian. The five-time All-Star is in the best shape of his life and is expected to run the Lakers' offense. He averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.5 threes per game in a "down" year last season, but the Lakers want him to run the show like he did in Dallas. If we get a motivated Luka, he could finish as the best player in fantasy.
5th pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks 
If there's one pick that I'm confident will be filled with the same player in every draft, it's Giannis at fifth. Those Top 4 guys almost always get picked in those four slots, while Antetokounmpo is the obvious pick at five. The former MVP has been a Top 10 player for eight years now, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game last year. Those numbers could creep up with Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton out of the picture, making Antetokounmpo one of the safest picks at fifth.
6th pick: Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves 
This is where things get tricky. I've seen numerous players get selected sixth because there's a handful of guys worthy of this spot. We'll ride Edwards as the consensus sixth pick because another step from superstardom into full-blown MVP status is not out of the question for this blossoming 24-year-old. He led the league with over 300 threes last season, averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 4.1 threes per game. It would be hard to improve on those averages, but he's improved every year of his career up to this point. This is the only player outside those Top 5 that could get into that group.
7th pick: Cade Cunningham, Pistons 
Fans weren't exactly sure what to expect from Cunningham in his return to action, but he showcased why he was the top pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cunningham posted career highs across the board, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.1 threes per game. He also shot 47 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line, establishing himself as a true 9-cat threat.
8th pick: Anthony Davis, Mavericks 
There's always a question mark about AD's health, but his 127 games played over the last two seasons are a solid number. The only real question is how he'll translate in Dallas, but he was a superstar in his limited time with them. Davis averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.2 blocks last season. That sort of stat line has made Davis a Top 3 player in the past, and we even saw him flirt with a quadruple-double late in the season. The elite fantasy production will always be there, but the injuries always force him down the draft board further than the stat line would indicate.
9th pick: Trae Young, Hawks 
Many people expect Atlanta to be one of the best teams in the East, and we could see a crazy assist total from Young. He's always one of the favorites to lead the league in assists, averaging 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.9 threes per game last year. Those point, assist and three-point totals are major outliers, and it's why Young should be selected in the first round of every draft. The only concern is that guys like Jalen Johnson and Kristaps Porzingis could take away usage, but Young is favored to lead the league in assists yet again. He's also played at least 73 games in three of the last four years, and that sort of consistency is key from a backend first-round player.
10th pick: Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks 
I wasn't so sure how KAT's role would translate in New York as a traditional big, but it bumped his fantasy value big time. Towns averaged just 8.7 rebounds in his final three seasons in Minnesota, but broke out with 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 2.0 threes per game last year. He's also got some elite shooting numbers from a big man, but the defensive numbers are the only thing keeping him from being above Young, Davis and Cunningham. If we can get those blocks closer to 1.5 while sustaining the rest of this stat line, don't be surprised to see KAT be a Top 6 pick next season.
11th pick: Domantas Sabonis, Kings 
Things get tricky after the Top 10, but Sabonis is as solid as it gets. The big man is actually one of the most underrated players in the NBA, averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks per game last season. Those are on par with what we've seen over the last three years, and he's another player that'd be higher if he provided some defensive statistics. That simply won't happen at this point in Sabonis' career, but adding a career-high 0.9 threes last season was a small bonus. We could see Sabonis' assist numbers creep up with De'Aaron Fox out of the picture because he averaged 7.8 assists over the previous two years. In any case, this is a safe pairing with guys like James Harden, Stephen Curry and Devin Booker early in the second round.
12th pick: Devin Booker, Suns 
; James Harden, Clippers 
; Stephen Curry, Warriors 
Many people are disappointed with picking 12th when they pull up the draft room, but it's actually a sneaky good spot. There are a few guys worth taking at this point, but the good news is that you get to pair them with the first pick in the second round. That's why we've recommended three guys for this final spot, because having two of them is a massive bump for your fantasy roster.
I'll start with Booker as my first option because he could have a crazy season with how shorthanded the Suns are. They parted ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, which could lead to Book posting a 30 percent usage rate while taking 20-25 shots a night. He averaged 25.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.4 threes with those All-Stars last season, but that should be his floor this year.
When I wrote this article last season, I made a surprise pick by having Harden as my 12th player off the board. That proved to be my best call of the season, with Harden averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 3.0 threes in a bounce-back season. His reliability is also unmatched, averaging 72 games per year through his 16-year career.
Curry is the final option for the turn, and it's surprising to see the greatest shooter of all time fall outside the first round. He averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 4.4 threes in another sensational season. Some are worried about his age and injuries, but playing 70 and 74 games over the last two years should limit any of that concern.
Essential Fantasy Basketball Resources
Check out RotoWire'sHow to Play Fantasy Basketball guide for a complete walkthrough, but here is some basic advice:
- Check out custom NBA Fantasy Projections
- Look intoFantasy Basketball Mock Drafts
- Listen to aFantasy Basketball Podcast
- Check in onFantasy Basketball Player News
- ReadFantasy Basketball Articles
- Dive into RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Draft Kit
- StudyNBA Depth Charts
- See RotoWire'sFantasy Basketball Dynasty Rankings
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