Posts

Posted on

LDS Game Day Discussion Thread

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 30: Grant Anderson #56 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches against the Texas Rangers at American Family Field on August 30, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There are four — count ‘em, four — LDS games going on today.

The White Sox host the Guardians in the early game, with Chicago in position to sweep and move on to the ALCS with a win. Its a 3 p.m. Central start on TBS.

The Braves host the Dodgers in the late afternoon game. Los Angeles is up 2-1, so the Braves need to win in order to force a game five in L.A. The game starts at 5 p.m. and is on FS1.

The Yankees, down 0-2, host the Rays in the early evening game. It is on TBS and starts at 7 p.m. Central.

Finally, the Brewers, up 2-1, play in San Diego against the Padres in the late game. It is a 9 p.m. start on FS1.

Talk about the games here.

Posted on

Game Thread: Guardians at White Sox, ALDS Game 3

Leading the way: Miguel Vargas, who is 2-for-4 with four walks, has been a big reason why the White Sox have a 2-0 series lead. | Photo by Leigh Bacho/MLB Photos via Getty Images

After an exciting 4-3 victory, the White Sox (84-78) incredibly hold a 2-0 series lead over the Guardians (85-77) in the ALDS. The South Siders are one victory away from advancing to the ALCS, where they have not been since 2005.

Sean Newcomb, 33, will start on the mound for the South Siders. Newcomb posted a 3.09 ERA and a 3.21 FIP in 90 1/3 regular season innings. Newcomb accumulated 1.7 fWAR, a very high single-season total for a relief pitcher. Newcomb pitched 8 1/3 innings against Cleveland in the regular season, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits. In that limited sample, the Guardians posted a .226/.368/.355 slash line against him.

Daniel Espino, 25, is a right-handed pitcher who will open the game against the South Siders. Espino posted a 4.11 ERA and a 3.75 FIP in 15 1/3 innings, resulting in an accumulation of 0.1 fWAR. Espino has pitched two innings and allowed one run against the White Sox. Miguel Vargas got the best of Espino on September 14, when he launched home run No. 31 out of 33 of his season.

Here are today’s starting lineups:

Baseball Reference keeps a statistic called cWPA, or Championship Win Probability Added. In this series, Grant Taylor (+3.42%) leads the way due to his ability to shut down the Guardians and close the first two games. Sean Burke (+3.00%) is No. 2, as his strong performance in Game 2 was crucial. Among hitters, Vargas (+2.81%) is the leader, as he is 2-for-4 with four walks. Munetaka Murakami (+2.07%) is next, which is no surprise, given that he is 3-for-8 with a homer. Up next is Braden Montgomery (+1.53%), who is only 1-for-7, but the lone hit was a clutch double that put the White Sox ahead.

This game is available on TBS and HBO Max, and the first pitch is scheduled to take place at 3:00 p.m. CT. Will the South Siders pick up another postseason series sweep? We will find out soon.

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Download the SB Nation app on iOS or Android. 

Posted on

LDS, Game 3/4: Schedule, probable pitchers, and open thread, 10/7/26

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 05: Richie Palacios #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays is showered with ice water after defeating the New York Yankees in Game Two of the American League Division Series presented by Booking.com at Tropicana Field on Monday, October 5, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

White Sox at Guardians

White Sox lead, 2-0

First pitch: 4:00 PM EDT
TV: TBS/HBO MAX
Probable pitchers: Sean Newcomb, LHP (CWS), Daniel Espino, RHP (CLE)

Dodgers at Braves

Dodgers lead, 2-1

First pitch: 6:00 PM EDT
TV: FS1/FOX ONE
Probable pitchers: Tyler Glasnow, RHP (LAD); Tyler Mahle, RHP (ATL)

Yankees at Rays

Rays lead, 2-0

First pitch: 8:00 PM EDT
TV: TBS/HBO MAX
Probable pitchers: Max Fried, LHP (NYY), Nick Martinez, RHP (TB)

Brewers at Padres

Brewers lead, 2-1

First pitch: 10:00 PM EDT
TV: FS1/FOX ONE
Probable pitchers: TBD (MIL); Walker Buehler, RHP (SDP)

Posted on

MLB Divisional Round gamethread: Four teams now face elimination

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Xander Bogaerts #2 and Samad Taylor #0 of the San Diego Padres celebrate after Bogaerts scored a run in the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Yoshinobu Yamamato starred for the Dodgers on Tuesday as they took a 2-1 lead over the Braves. The Padres scrapped their way to a victory to avoid elimination by the Brewers as starter Michael King filled in for ace closer Mason Miller, who is on paternity leave. On Wednesday, all four series are back in action, and four teams face elimination. The Guardians, Yankees, Padres, and Braves are all in a tight spot here and have to win or go home.

Here are the matchups for Wednesday, October 7.

Cleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox (2-0): 4:00 p.m. ET, TBS

RHP Daniel Espino vs LHP Sean Newcomb

Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at Atlanta Braves: 6:00 p.m. ET, FS1

RHP Tyler Glasnow vs. RHP Tyler Mahle

Tampa Bay Rays (2-0) at New York Yankees: 8:00 p.m. ET, TBS

RHP Nick Martinez vs. LHP Max Fried

Milwaukee Brewers (2-1) at San Diego Padres: 10:00 p.m. ET, FS1

TBD vs RHP Walker Buehler

Posted on

Cole Swider has worked ‘really hard’ on body, defense since last stint with Lakers

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Cole Swider #50 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Four years ago, Cole Swider made his NBA debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played seven games before bouncing across the Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors for brief spells in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Last year, he spent the season in Europe playing for Anadolu Efes, making 51 combined appearances between EuroLeague and the Turkish Super League.

Now, he’s back with the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 contract and is eager to show how much he’s improved in numerous ways.

“I’ve worked really, really hard on my body. Shout out to my performance coaches, Nick Correa and Anthony Tingley. I’ve worked really, really hard on my body. I’ve tried to change a lot of things,” Swider told reporters. “I’ve worked with doctors. I worked with many, many different people. It’s mostly defensively, trying to figure that side of the basketball out at this level. And then just being a more dynamic shooter, being able to come off of pin downs and DHOs and being able to cause havoc on the court just with my spacing ability.”

Whether it be in college, Europe or the G League, Swider’s been an excellent outside shooter. He shot 38% from deep in college, 45% in the G League and 41% overseas. Thus far, though, those long-range credentials haven’t translated to the NBA, where he’s made only 32.9% (28-of-85) of his career attempts.

That’s a much smaller sample than everything else, however, so perhaps a larger sample and Swider’s diligent work will help him showcase his elite shooting in the Association. If he’s actually a high-level shooter and has made physical improvements to take strides defensively, his chances of sticking around in the league are much higher.

Swider didn’t play Monday night against the Sacramento Kings but saw 12 minutes of action Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors and scored nine points on 3-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 beyond the arc. He also recorded two steals, two assists and two rebounds. He’ll hope to keep his torrid outside shooting going when the Lakers face the Kings Thursday night at home.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Posted on

Freddie Freeman responds to ‘noise’ in postseason return to Atlanta

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman sprints around the bases after hitting a home run, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers' Freddie Freeman celebrates his solo home run

ATLANTA — Freddie Freeman claimed not to hear the boos that came raining down on him Tuesday night.

Having expected as much in his return to Atlanta this week, he simply blocked out the crowd every time he stepped to the plate.

“I don’t really hear much out there,” the future Hall of Fame first baseman said after Game 3 of the National League Division Series on Tuesday. “It’s just noise, because it’s so loud.”

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman sprints around the bags after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning in Game 3 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Atlanta. AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

There’s been plenty of noise around Freeman entering this series, of course, with the veteran Dodgers star being pitted against his old Braves team.

But from the beginning of the week, Freeman downplayed the narrative, minimizing his role in this best-of-five series.

It’s been half a decade, after all, since Freeman’s stunning free-agent departure from Atlanta and $162 million signing with the Dodgers during the 2022 offseason. At this point, only four of his former teammates from the Braves’ 2021 World Series campaign are even still with his former organization.

“I understand it will be a storyline, I get it,” Freeman told reporters before the start of this NLDS. “But it is five years later. I’m not going to try and look at it any differently.”

Indeed, the only real difference in this reunion has been the reception he received from his former home fans.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman celebrates his solo home run during the fourth inning in Game 3 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Atlanta. AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Over the years, Freeman usually receives ovations during his trips back to Truist Park. In his first return in 2022, he got choked up while being serenaded during his championship ring presentation.

On Tuesday night, however, there were no cheers when he was announced during pregame introductions or before the start of each of his at-bats.

Instead, he was met with a wave of repeated boos. One particularly vocal fan near the press box went so far as to begin chanting “traitor!”

To the 37-year-old, it was all to be anticipated.

“I’ve got a gray uniform on,” he said with a smile. “I expect boos. It’s OK.”

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, left, and Max Muncy, right, celebrate the team’s win in Game 3 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Atlanta. AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Freeman still made sure to reflect fondly on his 15 years in the Braves’ organization. 

“I’ve had wonderful experiences with the white uniform on here,” he said. “I loved every second of it.”

Then again, he also loved the way that Tuesday’s 3-1 win played out, when he quieted the boos by hitting his second home run of the series.

It helped put the Dodgers one win from the NL Championship Series and the Braves’ season on the brink of elimination.

“We’re trying to win the game. They want to win it for their team,” he said. “So it’s OK. It’s all love. I still love everybody here.”

As for the boos, he was asked again:

“I would be surprised if they cheered me in October.”

Posted on

Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Central 2026: Rankings, strategy, sleepers, and more

If "Roundball Rock" has become an ear worm for you in recent days, that means two things. 1) You're one of us. 2) It's almost time for basketball season.

With the 2026-27 NBA season rapidly approaching, we’ve put together this handy Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Central hub page. It's your home for all of our preseason coverage in one place.

The best part? This is just the beginning of our coverage this preseason. Bookmark this page and check back often for our latest articles, rankings, analysis, and much more.

Bonus: If you scroll down, you can also download your FREE copy of the 2026 Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit.Did we mention that it's FREE?

Happy drafting season!

2026 FANTASY BASKETBALL RANKINGS

2026 FANTASY BASKETBALL STRATEGY ARTICLES

2026 Rotoworld Fantasy Basketball Draft Kit

  • 140 detailed player profiles
  • Offseason recap
  • Rankings for various formats
  • Cheat sheets

Click or tap here for a FREE downloadable version of the Draft Kit

Posted on

Florida Panthers Place MacKenzie Entwistle On Waivers

The Florida Panthers have placed forward MacKenzie Entwistle on waivers for the purpose of being assigned to the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

Entwistle did not participate in training camp or pre-season while dealing with an undisclosed injury. 

Entwistle is not in the second year of a two-year, two-way contract he signed with the Panthers in June of 2025.

Last year, Entwistle played in 49 games for the Checkers, scoring five goals and 11 points. He also featured in two playoff games but failed to record any points. The year before that, in his first year with the Panthers organization, Entwistle played just seven regular season games and eight playoff games. 

Before joining the Panthers, Entwistle played for the Chicago Blackhawks, splitting time between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate, the Rockford Ice Dogs. In Chicago, the 27-year-old played 193 NHL games, scoring 15 goals and 35 points. 

Entwistle last played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season.

Brad Marchand Suffers Lower Body Injury, Panthers React To Losing Another Key PlayerBrad Marchand Suffers Lower Body Injury, Panthers React To Losing Another Key PlayerJust days after Sasha Barkov’s departure, the Panthers face a fresh injury crisis as another star forward left Tuesday's game in Los Angeles, testing Florida’s touted roster depth.

The Panthers have had good luck on the waiver wire recently. During training camp roster cuts, the Panthers did not lose any players on the waiver wire, and within the last year, they have claimed two players, Cole Schwindt and Cole Reinhardt, who can be impact players in the NHL when needed. 

The Charlotte Checkers are off to a 1-1-0 start with seven goals for and five against. Nathan Smith leads the team with three goals, while top prospect Jack Devine is close behind with two.

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free.

See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.

Posted on

2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Punt Guide: Best draft targets for every category

To punt or not to punt: that is the question many category-league managers face when building rosters, regardless of draft format. Do you (in theory) concede a particular category immediately, or is it better to do so later in the process? And if you punt, which players should you target by category?

Below is a look at each of the nine major categories in nine-cat formats, along with some worthwhile options in the early, middle and later rounds of drafts. And what you will find is that, regardless of the category being punted, the trio of Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will possess elite fantasy value.

GET YOUR FREE ROTOWORLD FANTASY BASKETBALL DRAFT KIT HERE!

2025-26 Rankings Credit: Basketball Monster

▶ Points

Regardless of the punt build, your elite fantasy options will be the top options. Last season, seven of the eight players with first-round (12-team league) ADPs who appeared in at least 60 games averaged at least 23.9 points per game. The exception was New York's Karl-Anthony Towns, who averaged 20.1 per night. In a team build where points aren't a priority, the best options tend to reveal themselves after the first round.

Wings who defend at a high level and post players tend to get the greatest value boost, such as Houston's Amen Thompson, Portland's Donovan Clingan, Atlanta's Dyson Daniels, or Detroit's Ausar Thompson. While Amen merits second-round consideration, Clingan, Daniels, and Ausar are solid options outside the first three rounds of 12-team drafts.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Second-round Targets: G Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), G Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)

Third round and later: Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Walker Kessler (Los Angeles Lakers), Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Victor Wembanyama

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Tyrese Maxey

6. Scottie Barnes

7. Luka Dončić

8. Trey Murphy

9. Chet Holmgren

10. Jamal Murray

11. Donovan Mitchell

12. Donovan Clingan

▶ Rebounds

Punting rebounds is a strategy that boosts the value of guards who don't offer much in that category. However, as with any punting strategy, this doesn't mean you ignore any respectable rebounder. Projected first-rounders like Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey can be the starting point for this strategy, especially if paired with another perimeter player.

Atlanta's Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Orlando's Desmond Bane are two players projected to go closer to the middle rounds of drafts who have added value in a punt-rebounds build. Also, Clippers guard Darius Garland does come with some risk, but he's another player worth considering, especially for those looking to roster two high-usage point guards.

First-round Targets: Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

Second-round Targets: Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)

Third round and later: LaMelo Ball (Minnesota Timberwolves), Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Desmond Bane (Orlando Magic), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Atlanta Hawks)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

2. Tyrese Maxey

3. Nikola Jokić

4. Victor Wembanyama

5. Kawhi Leonard

6. Luka Dončić

7. Donovan Mitchell

8. Jamal Murray

9. Trey Murphy

10. Anthony Edwards

11. Kevin Durant

12. Cade Cunningham

▶ Assists

While punting rebounds tends to increase the values of perimeter players, punting the assist category makes frontcourt players more valuable. While Dallas' Cooper Flagg averaged a respectable 4.5 assists per game as a rookie, that was without Kyrie Irving on the court. With the veteran guard back from a torn ACL, Flagg could be a good starting point for managers who decide to punt assists.

Victor Wembanyama and Kawhi Leonard also represent quality options for this build, with the latter having a third-round ADP at the time of publishing. With Leonard, his availability history is a concern, whether because of injury or the management required to keep him at his best for the postseason. Among the bigs, Chet Holmgren, Donovan Clingan, and Jalen Duren are three players who should be off the board within the first 50 picks in 12-team drafts.

First-round Targets: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

Second-round Targets: Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Third round and later: Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors), Trey Murphy (New Orleans Pelicans), Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Victor Wembanyama

2. Kawhi Leonard

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

4. Nikola Jokić

5. Tyrese Maxey

6. Chet Holmgren

7. Trey Murphy

8. Luka Dončić

9. Anthony Edwards

10. Donovan Mitchell

11. Karl-Anthony Towns

12. Kevin Durant

▶ Steals

This category, beyond your usual suspects at the top of the first round, can boost the fantasy profiles of post players who don't offer much in steals. Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley, and Joel Embiid are three high-level options for managers punting steals, and all are center-eligible.

Denver's Jamal Murray and Utah's Lauri Markkanen, a guard and forward, respectively, also don't offer much steals production but do enough in the other categories to be highly valuable. However, like Embiid, Markkanen has availability questions. The good news for managers considering him is that Utah appears intent on making a run at a postseason spot this season; if that works out, he should not be a late-season shutdown risk.

First-round Targets: Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)

Second-round Targets: Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers), Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

Third round and later: Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz), Walker Kessler (Los Angeles Lakers), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Ivica Zubac (Indiana Pacers)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Victor Wembanyama

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Tyrese Maxey

6. Jamal Murray

7. Luka Dončić

8. Chet Holmgren

9. Kevin Durant

10. Donovan Mitchell

11. Karl-Anthony Towns

12. Donovan Mitchell

▶ Blocks

Punting the blocks category boosts most guards' fantasy value. However, only 27 eligible players averaged at least one blocked shot per game last season. And only one, Victor Wembanyama, averaged at least two. Based on that, a fantasy manager may not even need to actively punt blocks.

That said, going into a draft with the punt-blocks approach pushes Jokić and SGA ahead of Wembanyama on a manager's board. Beyond that top three, Dončić, Tatum and Maxey are players with first-round ADPs worth a look in a punt-blocks build. In the frontcourt, New York's Karl-Anthony Towns and Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams are two players who add fantasy value in this punt build.

First-round Targets: Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)

Second-round Targets: Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)

Third round and later: Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz), Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks), Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets), Darius Garland (LA Clippers)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

3. Kawhi Leonard

4. Tyrese Maxey

5. Luka Dončić

6. Donovan Mitchell

7. Jamal Murray

8. Victor Wembanyama

9. Trey Murphy

10. Jalen Johnson

11. James Harden

12. Anthony Edwards

▶ Turnovers

Turnovers aren't an issue in eight-cat formats, as they aren't included. In nine-cat formats, punting this category raises the ceiling of high-usage playmakers. Dončić gets a slight boost in this build, while Cunningham and Edwards are two other first-round ADP players whose fantasy values increase. Outside the first round, Edwards' new teammate LaMelo Ball and Wizards point guard Trae Young are among those who have added value.

While guards tend to dominate the list of players who become more valuable, bigs also deserve a look. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has a first-round ADP, is one, along with Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis. Embiid's injury history is why his ADP is relatively low, setting him up to be a steal if he stays reasonably healthy.

First-round Targets: Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami Heat)

Second-round Targets: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), LaMelo Ball (Minnesota Timberwolves), Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls), Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)

Third round and later: Trae Young (Washington Wizards), James Harden (Cleveland Cavaliers), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Dejounte Murray (New Orleans Pelicans)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Victor Wembanyama

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

4. Luka Dončić

5. Tyrese Maxey

6. Kawhi Leonard

7. Donovan Mitchell

8. Cade Cunningham

9. Kevin Durant

10. Jalen Johnson

11. James Harden

12. Jamal Murray

▶ Field-goal percentage

Punting this category does not limit fantasy managers to high-usage players who struggle to consistently make shots. A player like Derrick White, coming off the worst shooting season of his NBA career, has added value to managers punting free-throw percentage. Remove the 39.4 percent shooting, and he was a few places away from providing first-round value in 12-team leagues. This is another category where LaMelo Ball and Trae Young's fantasy values get a boost, with wings Brandon Miller and Paul George as two more players worth a longer look in this particular punt build.

First-round Targets: Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)

Second-round Targets: Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)

Third round and later: LaMelo Ball (Minnesota Timberwolves), Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Brandon Miller (Charlotte Hornets), Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs), Paul George (Boston Celtics)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Victor Wembanyama

2. Nikola Jokić

3. Tyrese Maxey

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Luka Dončić

6. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

7. Donovan Mitchell

8. Jamal Murray

9. Trey Murphy

10. James Harden

11. Cade Cunningham

12. Derrick White

▶ Free-throw percentage

There are guards, such as Dončić and San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox, who struggle from the foul line. However, punting the free-throw percentage category tends to have a more significant impact on frontcourt players. Giannis' free-throw struggles are well known, and Evan Mobley and Donovan Clingan are two others who offered limited value in that category last season. For managers seeking wings in this build, you can do far worse than the Thompson twins, especially since Ausar's playing time is expected to increase in Detroit after he averaged 26 minutes per game last season.

First-round Targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers)

Second-round Targets: Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Alperen Şengün (Houston Rockets), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Third round and later: Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers), De'Aaron Fox (San Antonio Spurs), Jarrett Allen (Cleveland Cavaliers), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Victor Wembanyama

3. Luka Dončić

4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

5. Kawhi Leonard

6. Tyrese Maxey

7. Evan Mobley

8. Anthony Edwards

9. Scottie Barnes

10. Jalen Johnson

11. Donovan Mitchell

12. Chet Holmgren

▶ Three-pointers

Post players who do most of their damage in the paint and non-shooting wings tend to get the biggest boost in this build. The Thompson twins, Scottie Barnes and Dyson Daniels are four wings who can provide excellent value to rosters punting three-pointers. Duren and Anthony Davis are among the post players with ADPs in the third round or later of 12-team drafts who are worth a look, but the latter's availability issues are well known by now. How early one reaches for Davis may depend, in part, on how the first round goes. Relying on AD as your marquee big man is a major risk, regardless of league format or punt build.

First-round Targets: Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Miami Heat), Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)

Second-round Targets: Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks), Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors), Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)

Third round and later: Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons), Anthony Davis (Washington Wizards), Dyson Daniels (Atlanta Hawks), Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies)

2025-26 Top-12 (minimum 60 games played):

1. Nikola Jokić

2. Victor Wembanyama

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

4. Kawhi Leonard

5. Tyrese Maxey

6. Scottie Barnes

7. Luka Dončić

8. Chet Holmgren

9. Jalen Duren

10. Amen Thompson

11. Jalen Johnson

12. Cade Cunningham

Posted on

Jaden Hardy feels Luka Dončić has taken his leadership to another level this season

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Jaden Hardy #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a shot on gsduring their preseason game at Chase Center on October 06, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After spending the first 2.5 years of his NBA career with Luka Dončić, Jaden Hardy reunited with the Slovenian this offseason when the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers executed a trade sending Hardy back to the Western Conference. With Quentin Grimes as the lone other former Dallas Mavericks teammate of Dončić’s on the roster — and they were only together for half a season — that gives Hardy the most experience of any Laker playing and being alongside Dončić.

Early on in their second stint together, Hardy believes Dončić, now 27 years old, has leveled up as a leader, focused on ensuring everyone is communicating and working toward a common goal.

“I mean, obviously, Luka’s always been a great leader ever since I’ve been with him. I feel like he’s just taking it to another step with that,” Hardy told reporters. “Just trying to lead this group, have everybody on the same page and having a tightened connection with everybody. So I feel like that’s good and I feel like Luka, he’s always just himself. When he’s out there, he’s going to tell you things and he’s going to try to make you a better player.”

This season will mark Dončić’s second full campaign with the Lakers and first without LeBron James. It seems entirely plausible James’ departure has thrust larger leadership responsibilities on Dončić (and Austin Reaves) that the superstar point guard is growing into as he becomes increasingly comfortable in Los Angeles.

The Lakers’ roster is built in his image rather than being caught between trying to optimize both him and James simultaneously. They re-signed their high-level secondary creator in Reaves, with whom Dončić shares a strong connection on and off the court. They acquired a defensive-minded, play-finishing center in Walker Kessler, whom Dončić was eager to land. They added a mix of floor-spacers, defenders and tertiary ball-handlers to complement him on both ends.

Now equipped with a sensible roster for Dončić, the Lakers are expecting a tremendous season out of him as he presumably enters his prime years. While the on-court output is most impactful and vital, it also sounds like he’s taking another step forward in how he leads this group, at least according to his longest-tenured teammate.

You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.

Posted on

Warriors rookie making waves already, rips pro players for ‘lazy’ habit

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg gestures after making a three-point shot next to Los Angeles Lakers forward Kevon Looney, Image 2 shows Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg dribbles the ball up the court past Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero during an NBA preseason game

It was a tough offseason for the Warriors, who didn’t make any big moves and will enter this season without championship-contending expectations. 

But there’s something to be excited about.   

Yaxel Lendeborg is proving to be everything the Warriors hoped for when they selected him with the 11th overall pick in June’s NBA Draft. 

The 6-foot-9 forward is a crafty scorer, skilled playmaker and strong rebounder, all things the Warriors need with Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porzingis out. 

In the Warriors’ exhibition game against the Lakers on Tuesday, Lendeborg finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot. It was his second preseason game with nine rebounds. 

“I think it’s a lot easier to get rebounds here,” Lendeborg said. “In college, the paint was always packed and there’s always somebody coming out of nowhere to rebound.

“These guys, I feel they’re more lazy to get the rebounds. I’m having clear-shot rebounds by myself. It’s crazy. I feel like I’ll have a lot of rebounding games where I’ll have like, nine to 12, something like that.”

That’s an exciting prospect for the Warriors, considering most incoming NBA players feel out of sorts while adjusting to a sped-up game with bigger and stronger competitors. 

Lendeborg appears to be having the opposite reaction. 

For him, this is easier than anticipated. 

Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) gestures after shooting a 3-point basket next to Los Angeles Lakers forward Kevon Looney (55) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

The Warriors selected Lendeborg because they were hoping he was NBA ready. He’s 24 years old, which is typically a demerit on draft boards for teams coveting young talent who they can develop. 

But for the Warriors, who have aging stars, including the 38-year-old Steph Curry, 36-year-old Draymond Green and 37-year-old Butler, acquiring a player who could make an immediate contribution was the team’s priority. 

For those guys, the window to compete is now. And it’s closing. The franchise needs to do everything possible to prop it open a bit longer.

Lendeborg appears poised to enter the lineup and make a difference. 

Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg, right, brings the ball up the court against Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero during the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in San Francisco. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

Against the Lakers, he scored all 17 of his points in the first half on 7-for-11 shooting, including going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. His 9 rebounds were a game-high. 

Of course, all of this has to be taken with a grain of salt. It was an exhibition game. The Lakers were without their three stars in Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, the latter of whom is an elite rebounder. 

But still, Lendeborg has turned heads ever since the Warriors drafted him. 

He went from carrying Michigan to a national championship to leading the Warriors’ summer league team to a title in Las Vegas, including finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds and two steals in the championship game against the Grizzlies.

Golden State Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg reacts after the Warriors made a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a preseason game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. Getty Images

Lendeborg appears to be the real deal. He’s unafraid. He’s ready. 

When it comes to the Warriors, who won four championships in eight years from 2015-2022 before failing to get past the second round of the playoffs the last four years, that’s some much-needed great news. 

In what was otherwise a very uneventful offseason, Lendeborg is proving to be a beacon of hope for the league’s modern day dynasty that’s trying to swim upstream once again.

Posted on

Yoshinobu Yamamoto reveals ‘dirty word’ from Dodgers teammate saved NLDS outing

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher on the field during the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves, Image 2 shows Los Angeles Dodgers player in uniform adjusts his hat during a game

The Dodgers relied on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s pristine postseason pedigree in a critical game once again on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old Japanese hurler outdueled Braves ace Chris Sale in a pivotal Game 3 of the NLDS, throwing seven innings, giving up one earned run and totaling 10 strikeouts. Los Angeles secured a 3-1 win to go up 2-1 in the best-of-five series.

Yamamoto and the Dodgers’ day might have ended differently if not for a vulgar intervention from Kiké Hernández.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands on the mound against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning in game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Athletic’s Katie Woo wrote an article on Tuesday night that included an anecdote from Yamamoto about when Hernández (who homered in the 3-1 win) and Dodgers catcher Will Smith made a mound visit after the Braves loaded the bases in the fifth inning.

Hernández could be seen whispering something to Yamamoto at the end of the discussion, prompting a nod from the pitcher.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kike Hernandez gestures toward his dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Yamamoto clearly took inspiration from whatever Hernández said, as he got two straight groundouts to end the inning.

After the game, Yamamoto said Hernández used a “dirty word.”

He wouldn’t shed light on what this word was, only reiterating that it was “very” dirty.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) is on the field during game three of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia, Oct. 6, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hernández’s “dirty word” may never become public knowledge. But whatever it is, Dodgers fans are happy Yamamoto now knows it.

Posted on

Alexander Romanov tears ACL in another brutal injury blow for Islanders defenseman

Islanders' Alexander Romanov (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in New York.
Islanders' Alexander Romanov (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in New York.

It is the worst news possible for Alexander Romanov and for the Islanders.

Just three games into his return from shoulder surgery, Romanov tore the ACL in his right knee against the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Islanders announced. He will undergo surgery to repair the injury and miss 6-8 months.

In terms of immediate ramifications, the Islanders need to sort through options for their defense ahead of Thursday’s match against the Blackhawks.

Islanders’ Alexander Romanov (28) during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Without making any roster moves, they can flip Matthew Schaefer back to the left side and move Adam Pelech to the second pair while bringing either Scott Mayfield or Matt Kessel into the lineup on the right.

If Pete DeBoer wants to keep Schaefer on the right, though, that could mean calling up either Isaiah George or Kashawn Aitcheson to play on the left. Flipping Schaefer was in no small part about giving Romanov top-four minutes, so it’s not clear whether that will remain the plan.

Longer term, this is a blow to GM Mathieu Darche’s plans.

With Romanov’s full no-trade clause set to kick in on July 1 of next season, Darche had to decide by then whether he saw the 26-year-old as enough of a cornerstone to justify a $6.25 million annual salary that extends through 2033.

It’s believed that there would have been interest in Romanov around the league should Darche have decided to move him, in part because that salary number is suddenly attractive for a potential top-four defenseman.

Now, though, chances are that Romanov’s no-trade clause will kick in with him having played just 18 games in two seasons. So not only will the Islanders be unsure what they have in him, but the rest of the league will be far less willing to take a shot on a player under a long-term contract with a complicated injury history.

Posted on

Here’s where to watch Dodgers-Braves NLDS Game 4 for free: Time, livestream

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tyler Mahle #54 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning in game two of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on September 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images), Image 2 shows LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tyler Glasnow #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers to the plate against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on September 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

It’s the battle of the Tylers.

At 6 p.m. ET today, Tyler Glasnow’s Los Angeles Dodgers will take on Tyler Mahle’s Atlanta Braves in Game 4 of the NLDS at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

After feeling confident heading home, Atlanta’s backs are up against the wall following their Game 3 loss yesterday afternoon. To make sure their season doesn’t end today, they’ll need strong offensive performances from Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies as well as a gem from Mahle.

“…All you can do out there is make pitches. I’m not trying to trick them. [The Dodgers] know. They’ve seen me,” Mahle said, prior to Game 3. “I’m sure they’re going to watch film, whatever. So it’s making pitches at the right times and that’s all you can hope to do.”

Shop Prime Big Deal Days and save now!

Learn More

Still, oddsmakers believe Los Angeles will close out the series today. They’re -150 favorites on the moneyline and Glasnow has a 2-1 career history against Atlanta over six appearances dating back to 2017.

That being said, the 33-year-old right-hander got a no-decision in their last meeting on Aug. 25 (his first appearance on the mound in 3.5 months), going five innings and giving up three runs in a 4-3 loss.

As for Mahle, the former Giant is 3-3 all time against LA with a 3.15 ERA.

Which Tyler will prevail today?

Although we can’t say for certain, we do know the best way to find out is live.

Here’s how to tune in to the Game 4 of the NLDS without cable.

Dodgers vs. Braves time

Game 4 of the Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS is scheduled to begin today, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET.

How to watch Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS Game 4 for free

If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS games for free.

DIRECTV is our favorite service for trying live TV for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes FS1 as part of its 125+ channel options.

TRY DIRECTV FOR FREE

Dodgers vs. Braves NLDS schedule

  • Game 1: Dodgers 5, Braves 3
  • Game 2: Braves 3, Dodgers 2
  • Game 3: Dodgers 3, Braves 1
  • Game 4: Oct. 7, 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET (FS1)
  • Game 5: Oct. 8, 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET (FOX)*

*if necessary

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.