One of college football's most storied rivalries takes center stage this Saturday night on NBC and Peacock.
Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: 15 tips to make draft day (and your season) more fun
With the preseason concluding on Friday, October 17, many fantasy leagues usually hold their drafts now. There are no games to worry about over the weekend, and NBA teams will finalize their rosters. We'll have a general idea of each team's rotation, including factoring in how they'll compensate for players who won't be available when the regular season begins on October 21.
The NBA returns to NBC and streams on Peacock on Tuesday, October 21 with an Opening Night doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets vs. the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Golden State Warriors at the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m.
With many fantasy basketball drafts being held this weekend, Rotoworld's Raphielle Johnson, Noah Rubin and Zak Hanshew have some tips that should help make the fantasy basketball process fun and hopefully rewarding.
With fantasy basketball drafts beginning this month, here’s everything first-time players need to know about how to play and win their league.
Raphielle Johnson1. Enter the draft with a list of “your guys,” but don’t be afraid to pivot
No matter which draft guide you've read during the preseason, writers will have lists of their "guys" that they're high on entering the season. You can and should use that information and your gut feelings to craft a list of players you're hoping to land in your draft. However, whether or not you get those players will be impacted by the roster build and the moves made by other managers. Don't be afraid to go in a different direction based on who's still on the board. - Raphielle Johnson
2. Reach for your guys
I've broken this rule enough to know it never feels good when you leave your draft without that player. For me, Jalen Johnson and Ausar Thompson fit this description best this season. Last season, it was Dyson Daniels. The year before, it was Derrick White. This isn't me saying that it will always hit; I have definitely had players I just HAD to have that ended up having a terrible season. But the worst thing is when you try to wait for your guy at ADP, and they get scooped up by someone else. Don't let it happen. - Noah Rubin
3.Read and React
If you've played or watched basketball at any level, you've heard the phrase "Read and React." You're taking what the defense gives you on offense rather than running a play and going through the motions. See the backdoor cut, find an open three-point shooter, drive the lane if the defense is spread out. You get the idea.
The same is true when drafting a fantasy basketball team. I may come into a draft with certain players on my "Do Not Draft" list, but lists like that should be loose. I won't take Joel Embiid in the first three rounds, but if he's available at Pick 50, you bet I'll be scooping him up! RJ Barrett at Pick 120? Say less.
Don't be stubborn in your strategy. Be adaptable. Take what the Draft Room gives you. Read and React. - Zak Hanshew
4. You’ll want to draft a high-level big man early
The good news is that, after Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama, there will still be more than a few post players on the board who can return excellent value. So, this advice won't apply to the first round alone. You may want to draft at least one high-level frontcourt player early. Alperen Şengün appears poised for a big year in Houston, while Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis has consistently offered excellent value (his ADP may be a bit high for my liking). Being able to build out a roster and not have to worry about the center position can be helpful, as it will likely be easier to find solid guards and wings in the later rounds than big men. - RJ
5. Do Your Homework
Pay attention to the latest news. Preseason injuries have piled up quickly this year, and being out of the loop can have dramatic consequences. Guys like Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams and Jalen Green are all set to miss time to start the season. Ditto LeBron James. Oh, and don't forget Paul George.
Joel Embiid? He might actually play in the season-opener. Staying up-to-date on the latest news can keep you from reaching for a player who may not be readily available. It can also give you insight into who might pick up the slack. Is Cason Wallace a sneaky upside pick in standard leagues? What about Aaron Wiggins in deeper formats? Can GraysonAllen provide early-season value as a starter for the Suns? Is Embiid worth a look in Rounds 4-5? - ZH
6.Draft players that you want to watch
Is it fun to draft players and watch the box score to see who wins? I mean, maybe for some people, but getting a little skin in the game makes things more entertaining for me. Get someone from your favorite or local team. Watch them in person if you're able. Fantasy basketball is most fun when you're watching your team's stars shine. - NR
7.Remain flexible when it comes to your draft strategy
Sometimes, it can be easy to lock yourself into a particular strategy early in a draft. For many who draft Giannis Antetokounmpo, it's easy to decide at that point that you'll be punting free-throw percentage and/or three-pointers. However, one should remain flexible in this approach. One can never know what the other managers in a league will do with their draft picks, so stay flexible. The ability to do so could be the difference between winning some money and ending the season empty-handed. - RJ
Depending on the category you’re willing to punt, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo will have greater fantasy value.
8. “To Thine Own Self Be True”
Polonius' immortal words from Shakespeare's Hamlet fit aptly into the realm of fantasy basketball.
There are so many excellent fantasy analysts, and they deliver a TON of content on the web, in apps and on social media. Absorb the information, and seek other points of view so you're not lost in an echo chamber. Digest that information, but don't let it change how you draft. Like a guy in the mid rounds, but his "expert ranking" is in the later rounds? Take him where you think it's appropriate. High on a player labeled as a "consensus bust?" Draft him anyway.
Stay true to yourself when drafting your fantasy basketball team. Whether you like playing it safe or prefer to swing for the fences with high-risk, high-reward players, do what feels right. Take in the outside noise, but don't let it change your strategy. - ZH
9. Check your league’s scoring settings
It's not fun to draft a team that would've been good in a different league but doesn't have the same juice in the one you're playing in. This is more for points leagues, though it can still be important in category leagues if it isn't the standard nine categories. I've played in leagues with bonuses for double-doubles and triple-doubles, leagues that take points for ejections, leagues that give you two points per rebound and another for an offensive rebound and a bunch of other weird rules. If you know where to take advantage early on, you can exploit the rankings in your draft room. - NR
10. Know the league roster rules
This may not be the "sexiest" piece of advice when competing in a fantasy league, but it may be the most important. If you don't know what your league's roster is supposed to look like, how are you supposed to win? Managers who neglect to understand their rosters fully can certainly come out on top, but you're saving yourself some potential aggravation by knowing that information before the draft begins. How many centers do you need to have in your lineup? Does your league have standard IL spots or the far superior IL+ spots?
Also, be sure to know the rules for free agents. Is it "first come, first served," or will you have to place a bid for all, whether the player is a free agent or on waivers? If you don't have to worry about knowing the rules, that's a big part of the battle regarding winning your league. - RJ
Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew pick their “guys” for the upcoming fantasy season.
11. Mock Draft
Practice makes perfect. Mock draft from multiple different spots and with many different people. Start early and continue throughout the offseason to understand trends, track ADP risers and fallers and get a general feel for how you like to approach the early, middle and late rounds of drafts. A good opening is important in chess, but Garry Kasparov wouldn't have become one of the greatest of all time without a strong endgame. Ensure you are prepared for as many scenarios as possible so you don't get stumped on draft day. - ZH
12. Play with people you know
This isn't saying you can't have fun playing with strangers, but I have found that the optimal experience for me is to play with people I want to talk to throughout the season. Whether it's friends I can meet up with in person for a draft or people I know online, it makes it more fun to talk trash, tell jokes, or communicate throughout the year. It also makes it easier to make trades. If you're playing with people you don't know, get to know them! Use a league chat, whether it's on your fantasy platform or on a different app, create a space to talk to your league mates. - NR
13. This one is serious. Know your limits, whether it’s financially or what “forfeit” you’re willing to do if you finish dead last
Losing is no fun; quite frankly, no one wants to plan for the possibility. But, be sure only to take on what you're willing and able to handle, whether it's a financial loss or potentially having to do something silly if your team finishes dead last (like getting a tattoo, for example). Failing to do so can result in a negative fantasy experience, and possibly some hard feelings if playing amongst friends. Be sure to keep things fun. - RJ
14. Branch Out, Have Fun!
Of course, you're going to take it seriously. Of course, you're going to dive into analytics and mock drafts. Of course, you're going to do your homework and keep up-to-date on the latest news. But at the end of the day, don't forget that fantasy hoops is about having fun. Get your guys. Try playing using a new format. Play with new groups of people. Get your family and friends involved. Enjoy yourself! Otherwise, what are we doing here? - ZH
➡️ 15. Use the Rotoworld Draft Prep Guide
Too on the nose? I don't care! One last plug for the content we've worked on throughout the preseason. Mock drafts, rankings, strategy guides and player profiles to help you win your league. Utilize the free content to help you make decisions! - NR
NBA's new 'Tap to Watch' feature will make it easy to find games, taking viewers directly to broadcast
The NBA feels different this season — and not just because we all sense the changing of the guard from the LeBron/Curry/Durant era to a younger generation of stars such as Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It's also because of the league's new broadcast partners bringing new energy, including the NBA's return to NBC and debut on Peacock. Those new partners mean fans will have to discover where to watch their favorite players and teams this season.
2025-26 NBA Season Watch Guide ✍️
— NBA (@NBA) August 14, 2025
Through the NBA’s partnership renewal with Disney and new agreements with NBCUniversal and Amazon, the 2025-26 schedule of national games will generally feature Mondays on Peacock, Tuesdays on NBC/Peacock, Wednesdays on ESPN/ESPN App,… pic.twitter.com/4KVpP76Vtq
The NBA is making that easier with its new "Tap to Watch" digital initiative — one button to click that takes you directly to the broadcast of the game, whether it is national, local, or NBA League Pass.
Available on NBA.com and the NBA app, a version of it will also be available here at NBCSports.com. Fans will find the same thing with the NBA's other broadcast partners, as well as NBA partners such as Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, Roku, Dapper Labs and more. Wherever a fan may be online checking the score of the game, there will be one "Tap to Watch" button that can take you directly to that game's broadcast, making finding it that much easier.
"We're proud to collaborate with our partners across the NBA digital ecosystem to make live games more accessible for our fans with Tap to Watch," said NBA Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology & Operations Chris Benyarko. "Whether scrolling social media, using the NBA App, or checking scores on a partner platform, fans will know exactly where our games are and be taken directly to them."
The NBA season tips off Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a doubleheader here on NBC and Peacock. First up, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will get their championship rings and raise the first-ever championship banner to the rafters in Oklahoma City — all in front of the Rockets and Kevin Durant, the franchise legend who left to head to the Bay Area to get his rings. After that, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers will take on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in a battle of two other legendary franchises that still have championship goals in the West.
If you have any trouble finding those games, or any other during the season, just find the "Tap to Watch" links that will be everywhere.
Max Scherzer turns back the clock and Blue Jays beat Mariners 8-2 in Game 4 to even ALCS
SEATTLE — Mad Max nearly had a month to fume, seethe and boil as he waited for his October opportunity.
Finally given the ball in the playoffs, he shut down the Seattle Mariners — and his own manager, too.
A fiery Scherzer turned back the clock with his vintage pitching performance and Andrés Giménez homered and drove in four runs as the Toronto Blue Jays beat Seattle 8-2 to even the American League Championship Series at two games apiece.
The 41-year-old Scherzer, left off the Division Series roster against the New York Yankees while dealing with neck pain, showed he still had plenty left in the tank by allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings.
“This is what you play for,” Scherzer said. “You work so hard the whole year, make all the sacrifices, put all the work in to get to this moment to have these types of moments to be able to win in the postseason.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his fifth playoff homer for the Blue Jays, who have outscored the Mariners 21-6 in Seattle after losing the first two games at home.
Game 5 in the best-of-seven series has Kevin Gausman scheduled to start for Toronto against Game 1 winner Bryce Miller.
Scherzer earned his eighth postseason win and first since the 2019 World Series for Washington against Houston. Making his 500th major league start, regular season and postseason combined, he became the oldest pitcher to start a postseason game since Jamie Moyer was 45 with the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2008 World Series.
Moyer, who spent 11 years with the Mariners from 1996-2006, threw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday.
Scherzer yielded three hits, one of which was a solo home run by Josh Naylor in the second inning. But the veteran right-hander settled in from there, even picking a runner off first base for the first time since 2013, and was not removed until manager John Schneider’s second mound visit.
With two outs in the fifth, Schneider approached Scherzer on the field and the three-time Cy Young Award winner told his skipper — in no uncertain terms — he had no interest in coming out of the game at that point.
“I thought he was going to kill me. It was great. He locked eyes with me, both colors, as I walked out,” Schneider said with a smile. “He has this Mad Max persona, but he backed it up tonight.”
Scherzer said he was busy thinking about the sequence of pitches he wanted to throw to Randy Arozarena.
“And all of a sudden I see Schneids coming out and it kind of caught me off guard,” Scherzer explained. “That’s just one of those moments where I know I wanted the ball. I knew the situation of the game. I wanted the ball and I basically told him that in a little bit different language.”
Schneider left Scherzer in and the eight-time All-Star promptly struck out Arozarena swinging at a curveball.
“When a Hall of Famer like this tells you he’s good, you ought to leave him in the game,” Guerrero said. “And he showed he’s good.”
It was one of five strikeouts for Scherzer, who pounded his glove in excitement.
“I tried to stay away from him,” teammate George Springer said. “You don’t really want to get in Max’s way, so you kind of just let Max be Max. It was entertaining, for sure.”
Said Schneider: “I’ve been waiting for that all year, for Max to yell at me on the mound. I think at that point there’s numbers, there’s projections, there’s strategy, and there’s people. So I was trusting people.”
The Blue Jays’ offense, meanwhile, picked up where it left off after scoring 13 runs in Game 3. Giménez hit a two-run homer in the third inning for the second consecutive day, this one off starter Luis Castillo to give Toronto a lead it didn’t relinquish. The Blue Jays tacked on another run in the inning when reliever Gabe Speier walked in a run.
Toronto added to its advantage in the fourth on an RBI double from Springer, who came around to score on a wild pitch by Matt Brash. Guerrero, who singled earlier in the game, smacked an opposite-field homer to right in the seventh off Eduard Bazardo.
Guerrero leads the majors with five homers in these playoffs — breaking the Blue Jays record for one postseason that he had shared with José Bautista (2015).
Giménez provided more insurance in the eighth with a two-run single up the middle that deflected off reliever Emerson Hancock’s glove.
Up next
Miller has a 2.61 ERA in two playoff starts this October while Gausman, a two-time All-Star, is 1-3 with a 4.14 ERA in 10 career postseason games.
Mariners pitching pounded again as Seattle squanders ALCS lead at home
SEATTLE — After coming home with a huge advantage in the American League Championship Series, the Seattle Mariners quickly squandered it on the mound.
Luis Castillo turned in Seattle’s second consecutive shaky start and the Toronto Blue Jays pounded Mariners pitching again in an 8-2 victory that tied the best-of-seven ALCS at two games apiece.
Seattle starters have given up 11 runs and 13 hits in 6 1/3 innings over the past two games, and the entire staff has allowed 21 runs, 29 hits and seven homers in 18 innings.
“They’re a good team,” Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh said. “When you leave pitches in the middle, they usually take advantage. So we’ve just got to do a better job of executing.”
After winning twice on the road in Canada, the Mariners arrived home to sellout crowds needing two wins in three potential games in their own ballpark to reach the franchise’s first World Series.
It seemed an ideal setup.
Now, no matter what occurs in Game 5, they’re going to have to travel north of the border once again to try to close out the series in Toronto.
“This is two good teams going at it,” Seattle manager Dan Wilson said. “This is what the Championship Series is all about. We will make our adjustments and continue to do the things that we do that make us successful as well.”
The winning formula for the AL West champion Mariners this year has been no secret to the rest of the league: They had strong starting pitching and a stingy bullpen, and their lineup is stacked with home run hitters.
Seattle hit three homers in Game 3 and another in Game 4, but the pitching staff has flopped at T-Mobile Park.
Mariners starter George Kirby was rocked for eight runs and eight hits — including three homers — in four innings of a 13-4 loss. The 32-year-old Castillo didn’t even last that long. He left with the bases loaded and was charged with three runs and five hits on 48 pitches in 2 1/3 innings.
No. 9 batter Andrés Giménez homered off Castillo — the second two-run shot for Giménez in two days.
Left-handed reliever Gabe Speier walked in a run and gave up an RBI double to George Springer, who scored on Matt Brash’s wild pitch to make it 5-1 in the fourth.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. connected off Eduard Bazardo in the seventh for his fifth postseason homer.
“They’re a good hitting team, and we’re aggressive with our pitches,” Speier said. “They got us in the last two, for sure. We’re going to continue to attack. We need to play a little bit better, throw a little bit better pitches. But other than that, keep attacking.”
Wilson also insisted the Mariners will keep going right at Blue Jays hitters with strikes.
“On the mound, we attack the zone, and we just need to continue to get back to that,” he said. “That’s what we do well, and we’ll get back to that tomorrow and bounce back in the series.”
Josh Naylor hit an early solo homer off 41-year-old Toronto starter Max Scherzer and finished 3 for 3 at the plate, but the rest of the Mariners went 2 for 26 combined. And their best chance at a comeback was thwarted when Naylor made a baserunning blunder to end the sixth, getting thrown out at third base on an RBI single by Eugenio Suárez.
Seattle shortstop J.P. Crawford, the longest-tenured player on the Mariners roster, said the plan for Game 5 is simple: flush the bad feelings from the last two games and get ready to play.
“Our game is tomorrow,” Crawford said. “Be ready for that. Get some good sleep and be ready to compete tomorrow.”
Jacob Misiorowski’s velocity drops in 6th inning and Brewers’ chances against Dodgers dim
LOS ANGELES — Jacob Misiorowski held off the Los Angeles Dodgers with 102 mph heat. When he faded, so did the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 6-foot-7 rookie right-hander came out of the bullpen to escape a first-inning jam and struck out nine as the Brewers rallied in a game that remained tied through five innings.
When his velocity dropped in the sixth, Tommy Edman hit a go-ahead single and the Dodgers went on to a 3-1 victory and a 3-0 NL Championship Series lead.
“I think I had a few starts during the year that I felt better, but I felt good,” Misiorowski said. “I did my job and felt like I performed the way they needed me to.”
Misiorowski debuted in June and went 5-3 with a 4.36 ERA in 14 starts and one relief appearance. Milwaukee has used him three times in relief during the playoffs. He has a 1.50 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 12 innings with three walks.
He threw 17 pitches from 100.1 mph to 102.5 mph from the first through fifth innings, but his fastball ranged from 97.6 mph to 99.1 mph in the sixth.
Will Smith singled with one out on a slider in the middle of the strike zone and Freddie Freeman walked after falling behind 1-2 in the count. Edman, who had struck out twice against Misiorowski, lined a low slider into center on Misiorowski’s 73rd and final pitch. Smith scored for a 2-1 lead as Sal Frelick made a weak throw.
Abner Uribe relieved made a run-scoring error on an errant pickoff attempt.
“We needed him today, and he was there for us,” Brewers third baseman Caleb Durbin said of Misiorowski. “Wish we could’ve had his back a little bit more.”
Top-ranked Ohio State’s Carnell Tate enjoying breakout season
Carnell Tate is an overnight sensation — three years in the making — for top-ranked Ohio State.
No. 8 Oregon looks to get back on track against Rutgers in 1st game between the schools
The Ducks are coming off a 30-20 loss to then-No. 7 Indiana in which Dante Moore threw for less than 200 yards for the first time this season and two interceptions.
Guelph Adds Blueline Depth In Former Top Defense Prospect; Brantford Acquires Draft Capital
The Guelph Storm added some depth on the backend after trading for a former high draft pick from the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, while, adjacent, the Brantford Bulldogs took advantage of their surplus of defensemen to acquire draft capital.
General Manager George Burnett announced today that the Storm have acquired defenseman Patrick Babin from the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a 2nd round pick (OSH) in 2028 and a 3rd round pick (GUE) in the 2029 OHL Priority Selection.
— Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) October 17, 2025
Read More | https://t.co/CVbCkV2tNOpic.twitter.com/rZD2YT56TN
On Thursday, the Storm announced that they have acquired right-shot blueliner Patrick Babin from the Bulldogs in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick (Oshawa) and a 2029 third-round pick.
“Patrick is a talented young defenseman and amongst the top players in his draft class,” said Guelph GM George Burnett. “He had an exceptional year of development last season, and we are pleased to add him to our group here in Guelph.”
Babin, 17, has started this season playing in a depth role for Brantford, registering one assist in six games. He was the second pick of the second round (23rd overall) in the 2024 draft and was scouted as one of the top defensemen in his draft class.
Last season, the Niagara Falls, Ontario, native spent developing in the OHL’s developmental hockey league, the GOJHL, playing for the Brantford Titans. Babin recorded 34 points (8 goals, 24 assists) in 39 regular season games, which was the most by a U17 defenseman. He added another 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) in 11 playoff games.
Maple Leafs 7th Round Prospect Announces NCAA Commitment Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue has announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Bowling Green State University upon completion of his OHL career.The Bulldogs signed right-shot Czech import defender Vladimir Dravecky and welcomed back fellow countryman Adam Jiricek, strengthening the right side of their defense. Unless injuries occur, Babin may struggle to secure consistent playing time in Brantford.
However, it’s not set in stone that Babin has an immediate roster spot in Guelph. After all, their right side is also strong, featuring Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Quinn Beauchesne, 2026 NHL draft prospect Rylan Singh, and third-year pro Rowan Topp. Meanwhile, the left side has Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Grant Spada, Daniil Skvortsov, and Noah Jenken.
To me, Brantford GM Spencer Hyman having been afforded a second and third-rounder for a player who probably wasn’t going to be a full-timer for them this season seemed too good to pass up.
That’s not to say this is a bad deal for the Guelph Storm. The addition of Babin allows the organization to let 2009-born rookies Hayden Martin and Zackery Naish develop in the OJHL and CCHL.
Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.
Latest OHL News:
Potential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge RosterPotential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge Roster
Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/fight-breaks-out-at-maple-leafs-development-camp-between-matthew-hlacar-and-rhett-parsons">Matthew Hlacar</a> when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that.
Heartwarming Support: Former OHL Teammates Celebrated Maple Leafs Prospect's Debut on the Big StageThe <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a>, but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box.
HBSE Hires Bob Myers to Run 76ers, Devils, Crystal Palace
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) has hired former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers to be president of HBSE Sports, HBSE co-founders Josh Harris and David Blitzer announced.
Myers was brought in with the goal of “maximizing opportunities and bolstering processes” across the firm’s sports portfolio, which includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NHL’s New Jersey Devils, EPL’s Crystal Palace, and an investment in NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing.
More from Sportico.com
Last year, Myers was hired as an advisor to the Harris-owned Washington Commanders during a restructuring that included the hirings of general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Myers will continue in that role for the Commanders.
“His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio,” Harris and Blitzer said in a statement.
Myers was a sports agent for 14 years before he was hired as assistant GM for the Warriors in 2011, a year after Joe Lacob and Peter Guber spent a then-NBA record $450 million for the franchise. He became GM the following year and steered the franchise to six NBA Finals appearances and four wins before leaving the team after the 2022-23 season when his contract expired. The Warriors also opened the Chase Center in 2020. Golden State is the NBA’s most valuable team, worth $11.33 billion in Sportico’s recent NBA rankings.
Myers has served as an NBA analyst and color commentator during the past two seasons.
The 76ers ranked ninth in Sportico’s NBA valuations at $5.61 billion, up 23% versus the prior year. The Devils are No. 11 among NHL teams at $2.06 billion, up 21%. Crystal Palace’s value is $610 million, No. 50 in global soccer. In July, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson acquired a 43% stake in the EPL club.
Best of Sportico.com
Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Former Warriors GM Bob Myers leaving ESPN to become president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
When Bob Myers stepped away as the Golden State Warriors' head of basketball operations, he said he might get back in the game someday, but he was looking for a new, different challenge, something maybe bigger than running a basketball team. For a couple of seasons, that was working at ESPN as an NBA analyst.
This is more what Myers was thinking: He is leaving ESPN to become the president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. That's the organization that owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, NHL's New Jersey Devils, Crystal Palace of the Premier League, and NASCAR's Joe Gibbs Racing. Meyers will also continue to work as an adviser to Harris, who is the majority owner and managing partner of the NFL's Washington Commanders.
"Our goal has been to hire, grow, and retain the best and brightest executives in the world and we are a stronger, more dynamic organization with the addition of Bob Myers," Josh Harris and David Blitzer said in a combined released statement. "His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio. We're excited to have Bob continue his storied career here at HBSE."
After a successful career as a sports agent (focused on the NBA), Myers jumped to the Warriors' front office. He was quickly promoted to general manager and eventually team president, and in his dozen years in the Bay Area the Warriors won four NBA titles. He was voted NBA Executive of the Year by his peers in 2015 and 2017.
"I have been fortunate to know Josh and David for a long time, and I've always greatly admired them and respected how they've built such an impressive global sports portfolio," Myers said in a statement. "This role was intriguing because it provides the opportunity to work with some of the industry's most talented leaders and executives across the world's biggest sports leagues. ... This is the type of challenge and opportunity I was looking for."
Now he's got the challenge he was seeking.
Kings Coach Hiller Points To Penguins' Goaltending And Special Teams As The Difference In 4-2 Loss
It was a disappointing defeat for the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Penguins came back from a 2-0 deficit. The Penguins went on to win it 4-2 in a game that highlighted several issues within the Kings' team.
According to the Kings' head coach, Jim Hiller, Pittsburgh’s goaltending “was the difference in the game.”
Hiller talked about the scoring chances the team had, but credits Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs, who posted a .938 save percentage and stopped 30 out of 32 shots from Los Angeles.
“You’ve just got to find a way to put it in the back of the net and again, give the goalie credit,” Hiller told reporters after the game.
“Three posts, we beat him on those, so three posts and then some really good saves by him where we had what we like to call him Grade-A’s when you’re kind of that tight with the goaltender and he beat us,” Hiller said.
“Even (Alex Laferriere) at the end on the shorthanded (chance) had a good look right from in tight and the goaltender made the save,” he added.
There’s no doubt Silovs played a solid game. He didn’t allow many rebounds and swallowed up several opportunities thrown his way.
However, the defining moment from this game was the special teams battle, and the Kings’ bench boss touched on that, too.
“We haven’t won the special teams battle yet this season,” Hiller said. “That’s an important part of any hockey game, it’s the special teams battle.”
“Hard to win if you don’t win the special teams battle, so that’s the one. We could have scored a power-play goal, we had our opportunities there and then we gave one up. If you can point to one area, that’s the area you’re going to point to,” he added.
For context, Los Angeles is tied with the Ottawa Senators for taking the most penalties in the league, with 25 in the first five games of the season. Against the Penguins, they only took two, yet Pittsburgh took advantage of one.
Kopitar And Kuemper Listed ‘Day-To-Day’, Perry Practises For The First Time Since SurgeryKopitar and Kuemper were absent from practice on Wednesday, but Perry made an appearance, and so did Portillo on an emergency basis. Furthermore, what hurt the Kings even more in this contest was their own power play. On the two opportunities they had, the team generated next to no chances and struggled to get a clean entry into the offensive zone.
To put the icing on the cake, Pittsburgh’s game-winning goal came shorthanded by Filip Hallander for his first career NHL goal.
FILIP 👏 HALLANDER 👏 pic.twitter.com/gfcg1R8hVJ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 17, 2025
Los Angeles is now 1-3-1 to open the 2025-26 campaign, and they currently sit sixth in the Pacific Division. As Hiller said, “We’re in a hole and we’re in a funk.”
Potential Mets trade target Tarik Skubal and Tigers have massive gap in extension talks: report
With Tigers ace Tarik Skubal a year away from free agency, the possibility exists that Detroit will make him available via trade this offseason while seeking a massive haul in return.
And Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports that the gap in what the Tigers have offered and what Skubal is seeking could be roughly $250 million.
The report from The Post regarding Detroit's offer is similar to one that came out last November from Evan Petzold in The Detroit Free Press, who noted that the Tigers' offer at the time was non-competitive.
Meanwhile, Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch gave a bit of a weird answer earlier this month when asked about a possible Skubal extension.
Adding more intrigue to the situation is the fact that the 28-year-old left-hander is repped by Scott Boras, who ordinarily takes his biggest clients to free agency.
That means the calculus for the Tigers could be simple: trade Skubal this offseason and maximize his value, or run the risk of losing him for draft pick compensation after the 2026 season.
In a world where Skubal is available this offseason, the Mets would almost certainly be very interested and in a strong position to make a highly competitive offer.
New York's farm system is among the best in baseball, and was recently rated by ESPN as the No. 1 system in MLB.
With Skubal one year from free agency, the cost to acquire him would be lower than a scenario where he had multiple years of team control left, but it would still be huge.
It's unclear what the Tigers would be seeking, but the Mets have blue chip pitching prospects and hitting prospects who are close to the majors and others who are further away. So it's fair to believe they'd be able to put together a package that piques Detroit's interest.
Among the Mets' top prospects are pitchers Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, infielder/outfielder Jett Williams, center fielder Carson Benge, first baseman Ryan Clifford, third baseman Jacob Reimer, and shortstop Elian Peña.
As far as Nolan McLean, it's hard to envision the Mets including him in a deal for any player who is a pending free agent.
Malik Monk states Russell Westbrook one of ‘best teammates' he's had in career
Malik Monk states Russell Westbrook one of ‘best teammates' he's had in career originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
A reunion we didn’t know we needed is set to take place in Sacramento.
Former MVP Russell Westbrook has agreed to a one-year deal with the Sacramento Kings, the team announced Thursday. Malik Monk touched on what to expect from his former teammate.
“I was with him with the Lakers… probably one of the best teammates I had,” Monk told reporters after practice Thursday. “It’s always good to have him around.”
The 36-year-old added value to a talented Denver Nuggets roster last season. Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Monk also provided insight on how the veteran point guard will fit in Sacramento.
“I feel like Russ has been playing an undersized four,” Monk said Thursday. “He can guard a four. I think that’ll give us a little more versatility on the offensive and defensive end.”
Dennis Schröder signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kings back in July. Westbrook adds to the Kings’ guard depth, which clearly was a focus this offseason.
“I feel like he’s more outgoing than Dennis,” Monk continued. “Expresses himself way more than Dennis does, I feel like. “Just because he’s been around, and that’s Russ, that’s just how he gets going. He’s been in the league how long? He knows how to play the game, knows how to win. And he’s a competitor, so he’s gonna help us.”
Monk’s high praise for Westbrook demonstrates the impact he has both on and off the court. The pair were only teammates for two seasons, but that didn’t stop Monk from pushing for Westbrook to sign with the Kings.
“I wouldn’t say I was pushing it to the front office, Monk explained. “Me and Deebo were talkin about it, me and Zach were talkin about it, so maybe they heard.”
Westbrook’s resume already has him heading to the Hall of Fame, but his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
“Another dog,” Monk stated about Westbrook. “Like me, super energetic. I feel like that’ll pick us up too, another one of me out there, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Westbrook and Monk were teammates for only one season in LA, but the bond they formed during that time undoubtedly will enhance the chemistry in Sacramento.
Joel Embiid cleared, 'looks good' to play in 76ers season opener against Celtics
Joel Embiid has not stepped on an NBA court since his left knee surgery last April, after knee issues limited him to just 19 games last season.
That could change Friday night — and it seems increasingly likely to change next Wednesday, when the 76ers tip off their season. Joel Embiid has been cleared to play Friday night in the 76ers' final exhibition game against Minnesota, and while coach Nick Nurse said there was a "slim chance," Embiid would play, that seems to be growing.
Embiid playing in the season opener next Wednesday, Oct. 22, against Boston seems very likely. From ESPN's Shams Charania on NBA Today:
"The Sixers are hopeful that Joel Embiid can play in Friday's preseason finale and opening night next week in Boston."
Haynes on NBA TV said that Embiid is "looking good in practice" and "turning the corner," then added:
"It does look good for him making the season opener but, when he does return, I am told that he will be on a tight schedule. So just when he returns doesn't mean he's going to be an everyday available player. They're going to be very cautious throughout the rest of the regular season with him."
This likely means a minutes limit for him, no back-to-backs, and he will get other days off. Still, any Embiid is better than no Embiid for the Sixers. Last season, when he did get on the court, he averaged 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds a game on 44% shooting. These numbers are well below his career averages, but his presence and domination in the paint — on both ends of the court — make the 76ers a complete team. If Philadelphia is going to be a team that can threaten Cleveland and New York at the top of the East — like it believes it could and should be — it's going to need a fully functioning Embiid by the end of the season, as well as the rest of the roster to stay healthy. This is at least a step in that direction.
When asked if Paul George — who played some 5-on-5 this week — would be ready for opening night, Nurse succinctly said, "No." However, he may not be that far behind. Also, Jared McCain remains out with a torn thumb ligament.
Philadelphia looks like it's about to get Embiid back on the court — in whatever limited minutes — and that is a huge plus.