Tag: Fox Sport News

The NBA Cup Knockout Round opened with two competitive matchups that brought clarity on which teams are trending toward Las Vegas — and what decisions fantasy basketball managers need to make at the midpoint of Week 8.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

Here’s a full breakdown of Orlando, Miami, New York and Toronto, followed by updated streaming recommendations for the Wednesday Cup slate.

Advertisement

Orlando Magic: 5 starters in double figures help punch their ticket to Las Vegas

Orlando shook off a 15–0 start by Miami and responded with one of its most complete team efforts of the season. Led by Desmond Bane’s 37 points and Jalen Suggs’ tenacity and grit, all of the Magic starters scored at least 10 points. As a team, they connected on 46% of their 3s to edge out a 117-108 win over the Heat.

• Desmond Bane: 37 points with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and six 3s

• Jalen Suggs: 20 points with 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals

• Paolo Banchero: 18 points, 7 boards, 4 assists and 1 block. Shot 6-for-7 from the line, too.

• Wendell Carter Jr.: 14 points with 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block

• Anthony Black: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 stocks

Black earned another start with Franz Wagner out, playing 34 minutes. Even on an inefficient night where he shot 5-for-15 from the field, he’s a hold in all formats while Wagner remains sidelined.

Advertisement

Fantasy pickups for Saturday: Tristan da Silva posted 11 points and 7 rebounds in 28 minutes off the bench, making him a strong streaming option for Saturday’s two-game slate. Goga Bitadze also did his thing in limited minutes, scoring 7 points with 6 boards and 2 blocks.

Miami Heat: A hot start cooled off by 3-point variance and a slow third quarter

The Heat owned the first quarter, but the Magic chipped away slowly, closing the gap in the second and third quarters to eventually take control of the game. Miami dominated the paint (60 points) and limited turnovers (8), but shooting 8-for-33 from 3 was the difference.

• Norman Powell: 21 points with 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals

• Tyler Herro: 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists

• Bam Adebayo: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal

• Andrew Wiggins: 19 points with 2 stocks

• Davion Mitchell: 11 points with 2 rebounds, 9 assists and 1 steal

Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 10 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench, but the most concerning aspect of the Heat’s performance was the nothing burger from Kel’el Ware. He had 4 points with 6 rebounds and was a -15 in 12 minutes of action. He might be trending towards drop territory.

Advertisement

New York Knicks: Brunson’s a problem, but NYK supporting cast shows out too

Brunson scored a season-high 26 points in the first half, eventually finishing with 35 points (13-19 FG) with 3 boards, 4 dimes and 6 3s. But the supporting cast showed out too. New York posted 25 second-chance points and suffocated Toronto into 43% shooting in a 117–101 victory.

• Josh Hart: 21 points with 6 boards, 4 assists and 2 steals

• Karl-Anthony Towns: 14 points, 16 rebounds with 3 stocks

• Mikal Bridges: 15 points with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 stocks

• OG Anunoby: 13 points, 6 boards and 4 stocks

Fantasy pickups for Saturday:

• Mitchell Robinson — If you need boards and defensive stats, he’s an option, but beware: he’s currently on pace for one of the worst free-throw shooting seasons in NBA history.

• Jordan Clarkson — As long as Miles McBride remains out, Clarkson is an option for teams needing points.

Toronto Raptors: Ingram balled, Shead impressed but the depth tanked

The Raptors were outrebounded, outhustled and outplayed beyond a couple of strong efforts from Brandon Ingram and Jamal Shead.

• Brandon Ingram: 31 points with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals

• Scottie Barnes: 13 points with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals

• Jakob Poeltl: 10 points with 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals

Jamal Shead stepped up as the second-best Raptor on the night, finishing with 18 points, 8 assists, 4 3s, while filling in for Immanuel Quickley.

Advertisement

Shead is not a streaming option for the remainder of Week 8 (TOR has no games left), but monitor Quickley’s availability heading into Monday. If Quickley sits again, Shead becomes a strong spot-start candidate in Week 9.

NBA Cup schedule update

Because Orlando and New York advance to Saturday’s semifinal, Miami and Toronto will not play again until Monday of Week 9.

Fantasy Advice 👉 Drop fringe Raptors and Heat players immediately.

Wednesday NBA Cup streaming options

There are only two games on Wednesday, so it’s fairly slim pickings for streaming options. Here’s how I’d play it by each team:

Advertisement

San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City Thunder

Phoenix Suns

Los Angeles Lakers

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast

Reactions are still coming in following the shocking news of Edwin Díaz leaving the New York Mets after six seasons and joining the reigning back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers. We’re starting to get a better picture of what led the All-Star closer to take his talents out west.

Advertisement

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman get into the offer that the Mets made to try to keep Díaz. While they fell short on the dollars side, some are left wondering if the reliever simply wanted to join Los Angeles instead. The question now is: Where do the Mets go from here?

Later, Jake and Jordan talk about super-agent Scott Boras giving his annual address at the Winter Meetings, where he discusses all of the big free agents he’s trying to secure deals for. Then the guys talk about all the other transactions that went down in Orlando, including the Chicago White Sox winning the MLB Draft lottery and getting the first overall pick in next year’s draft.

2:29 – Díaz-to-Dodgers fallout

Advertisement

11:09 – Scott Boras scoreboard update

31:55 – Around the League: Winter Meetings

36:42 – White Sox win draft lottery

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to break down the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinal as they continue their historic winning streak. Can OKC break the NBA record for the longest single-season win streak? Then, they discuss the San Antonio Spurs’ victory over the Los Angeles Lakers without superstar Victor Wembanyama and share their picks for who will reign supreme in the NBA Cup.

Advertisement

Next, the duo dives into why the NBA is seeing a rise in calf strains across the league and shares their thoughts on the NBA’s response. And, are the Grizzlies better without Ja Morant? Where are potential landing spots for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Plus, James Barlowe joins KOC’s Draft Class to discuss AJ Dybansta’s electric game against Clemson, Darryn Peterson’s return to Kansas and how Nate Ament can bounce back from his struggles.

(0:47) OKC defeats Phoenix in NBA Cup quarterfinals

(6:10) Spurs beat Lakers in NBA Cup quarterfinals

(8:54) Thunder vs. Spurs NBA Cup semifinal preview

Advertisement

(13:00) Increase of calf strain injuries in the NBA

(23:54) Knicks vs. Magic NBA Cup semifinal preview

(34:35) Ja’s last chance to make things right with Memphis

(43:36) Queen continues to shine for Pelicans

(46:28) Anthony Davis trade suitors

(57:20) Draft Class with James Barlowe

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Michigan fired head coach Sherrone Moore on Wednesday. He was fired with cause for having an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” The story broke with this news, but continued to evolve and a few hours later it was reported that Moore had been detained by police. Details will continue to come out as more is learned about this situation. Until then, Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey will just look at the football impact of Moore’s firing with the big question: Who will be Michigan’s next head coach? Signing Day has passed, so Michigan does not need to rush the process of finding their guy. The Transfer Portal opens January 2nd, and it would make sense to want to have a coach in place by that date. Kalen DeBoer is a name that is being rumored, but it is not known if he has any interest. Kenny Dillingham is another name the crew suggests as a good fit. Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss who may be a good fit for the Wolverines going forward.

Advertisement

Then, we get some more news from Ross in Vegas. It appears there is momentum to move the playoff to a 16-team model. Most of the conferences are on board, but the Big Ten is still not fully sold. The guys talk about the potential of moving to a 16-team playoff and what that format would look like. The other big piece of news is there seems to be a groundswell of support to get rid of the weekly College Football Playoff Rankings Show. How would ESPN handle the elimination of this show? Andy, Ross and Godfrey discuss how realistic this idea is.

Later, it is a big weekend in college football. The biggest individual award in the sport will be given out on Saturday. Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza,  is the betting favorite to win the Heisman, but the guys think that Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Diego Pavia, might make a push to win the award. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are the other two finalists for the prestigious award. Will Indiana or Vanderbilt have its first Heisman trophy winner? Plus, the guys make their I’ve Got A Feeling picks. They discuss the Army/Navy game, an FCS playoff game, and one of the first bowl games of the season.

Get ready for award and bowl season with College Football Enquirer.

(1:09) – Michigan fires Sherrone Moore

Advertisement

(9:18) – Who should be Michigan’s next head coach?

(27:32) – Expanding to a 16-team playoff

(30:14) – Ending the CFP weekly rankings show

(37:34) – What would a 16-team playoff look like?

(49:48) – Heisman preview

(52:38) – I’ve Got A Feeling including an Army/Navy game preview

Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast

The Polar Bear has gone extinct in Queens as career New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso has joined the Baltimore Orioles. A fan favorite for seven seasons—during which he set the franchise home run record, captured the single-season rookie home run record, and won multiple Home Run Derby titles—Alonso will be wearing orange and black next season.

Advertisement

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the surprising five-year, $155 million contract the Birds gave Alonso and why it’s awesome to see a superstar join a team like the Orioles instead of the usual suspects signing big free agents. They then try to figure out what the Mets do next after losing yet another fan favorite, and how the move is leaving former players flabbergasted.

Later, Jake and Jordan discuss Robert Suarez joining the Atlanta Braves and why we shouldn’t be sleeping on them next season, as well as a few other smaller free-agent deals that have gone down post–Winter Meetings. Then the guys make their picks for this week’s The Good, The Bad & The Uggla.

1:11 — The Opener: Alonso to the Orioles

Advertisement

24:01 — Scott Boras Scoreboard update

27:16 — Nuclear Overreaction: What happens to the Mets?

41:49 — Around the League: Suarez to Braves

49:17 — Other signings in baseball

52:36 — The Good, The Bad & The Uggla

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

The Indiana Hoosiers have their first Heisman trophy winner. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza won the 91st Heisman trophy on Saturday night. He beat out fellow finalists Diego Pavia, Jeremiyah Love and Julian Sayin by a wide margin. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discuss Mendoza’s win and share their thoughts on the quarterback’s stellar season. Plus, Andy and Ross share who they voted for. The guys also discuss how the conversation around Mendoza immediately turned to if he will succeed in the NFL. They dive into the NFL’s quarterback obsession and where they go wrong when evaluating college quarterbacks. The Heisman ceremony was not the only big event that happened on Saturday. The 126th edition of the Army-Navy game saw Navy take the win for the second straight year. The Midshipmen defeated the Black Knights 17-16 on a late game touchdown pass from Blake Horvath to Eli Heidenreich. Ross was in attendance and shares his experience at the game after the guys share their thoughts on the game.

Advertisement

Then, the crew discusses the Big 12’s latest news. Last week, Ross shared Utah’s news about their private equity deal and the guys said this would open the floodgates. Well, that may be proving to be correct as the Big 12 announced they are close to a private capital deal. Ross shares the story he broke and the crew discusses what the impact of this potential deal could be. Godfrey cautions the risk level of this move.

Later, we stay in the Big 12 for some more news. Utah announced that head coach Kyle Whittingham is stepping down. Utah’s appearance in the upcoming Las Vegas bowl will be his last game as the leader of the Utes. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley has long been Whittingham’s heir apparent and will be Utah’s new head coach. The guys discuss the timing of this move, if this move will work for Utah and Scalley and if this means that we may see Whittingham coaching elsewhere in the future.

Get caught up on all things college football with College Football Enquirer.

(0:46) – Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman

Advertisement

(23:05) – Ross’ Army-Navy game experience/ game recap

(30:38) – Big 12’s move towards private capital

(47:02) – Kyle Whittingham Steps down

Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Blake Griffin to break down the impact of Wemby in the Spurs’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals. Did the Spurs find the formula for stopping OKC? Is Victor Wembanyama on track to become the greatest of all time?

Advertisement

Next, Blake Griffin shares his favorite dunks, how his game evolved throughout his career and the evolution of the NBA. Then, he shares his experience of being traded during his career path and his reaction to the Clippers sending Chris Paul home.

Later, the duo discusses Jalen Brunson’s performance against the Magic in the NBA Cup semis and their top candidates for Rookie of the Year this season.

Plus, who will be crowned the champions of the NBA Cup this year?

(0:45) Wemby vs. OKC in NBA Cup semis
(5:01) Did Spurs unlock formula for stopping OKC?
(8:26) Could Victor Wembanyama become the GOAT?
(14:28) Blake Griffin’s greatest dunks
(18:36) Evolution of Griffin’s game
(26:18) Evolution of the NBA
(31:58) Griffin’s experience when traded by Clippers
(37:33) Reaction to Chris Paul sent home by Clippers
(44:30) Jalen Brunson vs. Magic in NBA Cup semis
(47:49) Rookie of the Year candidates this season
(51:50) Blake Griffin life after basketball
(58:31) NBA Cup Final predictions

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

The transfer portal does not open until January 2nd, but you would not have known that by looking at the news coming from the college football world on Monday. Athletes continue to announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal, and some top quarterbacks will be on the move in a couple of weeks. Florida’s DJ Lagway, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby all announced they will be playing for a different school next season. Andy Staples, Ross Dellenger and Steven Godfrey discuss who the top available quarterback is and where some of these guys might land. They also discuss NIL’s impact on all of this. A common thought is that players are transferring for more money, but are some quarterbacks transferring because they are being forced out of their current NIL contracts?

Advertisement

Then, the guys chat about a judge granting Jeremy Pruitt a preliminary injunction against the NCAA. This blocks the six-year show-cause order against Pruitt and moves him one step closer to returning to the sidelines. Jesse Minter also has a show-cause from his time at Michigan, and Pruitt’s ruling makes the crew wonder if his show-cause order could get overturned should Michigan look to hire him as their next head coach. In the latest news from the Michigan coaching search, Kalen DeBoer has now said multiple times that he is not leaving Alabama. Although part of the crew is not convinced, the guys discuss who else the Wolverines may look to.

Later, Godfrey finally makes his case to save the bowls. The bowl season is a time that used to be cherished by many, but the creation of the College Football Playoff, among other issues, has caused a decline in anticipation and excitement for bowl games. Steven Godfrey turns the bowl season on its head and makes his pitch for how the bowls could be revitalized.

Stay caught up on all things college football with College Football Enquirer.

(2:03) – Top QBs entering the transfer portal

Advertisement

(11:36) – How NIL could be forcing people to transfer

(25:24) – Jeremy Pruitt wins big court ruling

(33:45) – Michigan’s coaching search

(42:56) – Steven Godfrey saves the bowls

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out all the episodes of the College Football Enquirer and the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast

There has been a lot of hype around Japanese superstar slugger Munetaka Murakami, as he was posted this offseason. With his posting nearing expiration, many are wondering which MLB team might make a move for the first baseman, or if there is a chance that he might not sign at all and stay in Japan for next season.

Advertisement

On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the fascinating posting of Murakami and why teams like the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Seattle Mariners, among a few others, could be a suitable fit for his services. They then get into the flurry of transactions that have gone on over the past few days, including Jorge Polanco going to Queens, the Philadelphia Phillies picking up Adolis García and an update to the Scott Boras Scoreboard.

Later, Jake and Jordan take a look at a couple of rosters for the World Baseball Classic, including the superstar power on Team USA and why the Dominican Republic squad is loaded on offense. They then ask a few questions pertaining to each team that could help them figure out which team could come out on top in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

1:14 – The Opener: Murakami signing soon

Advertisement

31:40 – Predictions for his landing spot

36:36 – Around the League

57:09 – Scott Boras Scoreboard update

1:02:02 – World Baseball Classic: Team USA roster

1:11:09 – A look at Team DR

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

Subscribe to Inside Coverage

Should we believe in the Pittsburgh Steelers after their MNF win? Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano, Jori Epstein and Frank Schwab discuss Steelers’ playoff chances and Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the Miami Dolphins. Also, did the New England Patriots need to lose to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday to strengthen their playoff run? Plus, Andrew sits down with Legion of Boom members Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor to discuss the 2025 NFL season along with their thoughts on the state of the Seattle Seahawks. Closing things out, the crew breaks down Frank’s latest playoff projections before talking about their “One More Thing”.

Advertisement

(7:12) – Steelers MNF win over Dolphins

(18:30) – Did the Patriots need to lose to the Bills?

(24:14) – Richard Sherman & Kam Chancellor join the show!

(37:13) – How will the Packers move on without Micah Parsons?

(43:32) – Playoff Projections

(56:06) – One More Thing

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts