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Prior to Friday afternoon’s 12-1 win over St. Louis, the Cubs activated Tucker from the 10-day injured list following his nearly month-long bout with a left calf strain. Tucker returned to the lineup as a designated hitter, going 1-for-4 with a single, one walk and two runs scored for the North Siders, as he continues to work toward being back at full speed when it comes to running.

“In an ideal world, you come back and you have a lot more games and at-bats,†Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said. “Whether itâ€s two or three games, hopefully, he can recognize pitches well and get back in the swing of things quickly, because weâ€re going to face a lot of good pitching in the postseason.â€

In order to add Tucker back to the active roster, veteran infielder Carlos Santana accepted an option to the Arizona complex, per manager Craig Counsell. By agreeing to that move, Santana can remain in the fold as an experienced depth piece for the postseason.

“He wonâ€t be with us this weekend,†Counsell said. “But then as the playoffs starts, he will rejoin us and essentially be on the taxi squad for the playoffs. He cannot be recalled until his [10] days are up, but if thereâ€s an injury or we advance further in the playoffs, then heâ€ll be eligible for those rosters.â€

Tucker exited Chicago’s game on Sept. 2 due to the calf issue, which he noted had been bothersome for a few days prior to that setback. He attempted to return swiftly, but persistent issues with the leg necessitated a trip to the IL on Sept. 9. Tucker visited his long-time physical therapy group in Tampa last week, rejoined the Cubs on Tuesday and ramped up activity in recent days.

In 133 games this season entering Friday, Tucker hit .270 with 22 homers, 25 doubles, 73 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and an .854 OPS for the Cubs. Before landing on the IL, he hit .400 with four homers and a 1.289 OPS in his previous 11 games. Tucker was back in the lineup on Friday as Chicagoâ€s cleanup hitter.

“Heâ€s our best hitter,†Hoyer said. “The way he conducts at-bats is contagious, so I do think itâ€s really important to have him in there. It just lengthens our lineup and makes us better.â€

Horton on track for playoffs

Cubs rookie Cade Horton played catch on Friday, taking a step forward after exiting his start on Tuesday due to tightness in his mid-back and rib-cage area. Counsell noted the righty will have a bullpen session in the coming days and remains on target to be available for the postseason.

“Weâ€re comfortable just moving forward and continuing him just progressing,†Counsell said. “Weâ€ll see how he feels as the week goes. But so far, so good.â€

An MRI exam showed “some areas of concern†in Hortonâ€s ribs, but the Cubs had another physician review the imaging and Counsell said it “confirmed†a comfort level with proceeding as planned. Horton, 24, left his last outing after three innings (29 pitches) due to the issue, which initially flared as he battled illness and coughing recently.

While the Cubs have not revealed their rotation plans for the NL Wild Card Series, Horton is lined up as a possibility for Game 1 (Tuesday) or Game 2 (Wednesday) against San Diego. In the second half, the NL Rookie of the Year contender spun a 1.03 ERA for the North Siders.

“Heâ€s been as good as any pitcher in baseball in the second half,†Hoyer said. “Heâ€s been amazing. Iâ€m hopeful that heâ€s the Rookie of the Year. He threw today. The next step would be a bullpen. Weâ€ll keep moving forward.â€

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The T20 Asia Cup was played for the first time in 2016, right ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. With the T20 World Cup becoming a regular event – generally happening every two years – and perhaps more with the desire to contrive India vs Pakistan matches since bilateral cricket is suspended between the two nations, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) began conducting the Asia Cup in the T20I format as well since 2016.

India won the inaugural T20 Asia Cup in 2016, while Sri Lanka won the 2022 edition. The third T20 Asia Cup edition was held in 2025, just months ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Three batsmen have so far hit a hundred each in the T20 Asia Cup. Let us check them.

List Of Batsmen Who Hit Century In T20 Asia Cup Ft. Virat Kohli

122 – Babar Hayat (Hong Kong) vs Oman, Fatullah, 2016

Hong Kongâ€s middle-order batsman Babar Hayat became the first batsman to hit a century in the T20 Asia Cup with his knock of 122 against Oman during the 2016 Asia Cup in Bangladesh.

Chasing a target of 181 in Fatullah, Hayat whacked 122 runs off 60 balls, with the help of nine fours and seven sixes. Despite Babar Hayatâ€s terrific ton, Hong Kong lost by a small margin of five runs.

122* – Virat Kohli (India) vs Afghanistan, Dubai, 2022

Virat Kohli is the only Indian so far to have hit a century in the T20 version of the Asia Cup. He attained it against Afghanistan in Dubai in 2022.

While opening the batting, with Rohit Sharma rested, Kohli hammered 122 unbeaten runs off 61 balls, walloping 12 fours and six maximums. Kohliâ€s thumping knock propelled India to a huge total of 212 runs. In the chase, Afghanistan were blown away by Bhuvneshwar Kumarâ€s unbelievable spell of 4-1-4-5.

This was Virat Kohliâ€s maiden century in T20Is, and it also ended his wait of three years for his 71st international century.

107 – Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) vs India, Dubai, 2025

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka creamed one of the best T20I centuries during the 2025 edition of the T20 Asia Cup, as he dazzled with a knock of 107 runs against India in Dubai in the pursuit of the target of 203 runs.

Nissanka exhilarated with plenty of delectable shots, comprising seven fours and six sixes. He had a tall stand of 127 (70) with Kusal Perera, putting Sri Lanka in a strong position.

However, India fought back with the ball and managed to tie the game. In the Super Over, the Lankans could muster only two runs against Arshdeep Singh, and the minnows once again lost to the powerhouse Indian side, with Nissankaâ€s outstanding ton going in vain.

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Three qualified players averaged at least 18.9 PPG, 10.0 RPG and 5.0 APG last season, and fantasy managers will need a first-round pick (or the very first pick) to secure any of the trio of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Domantas Sabonis this season.

Atlanta Hawks PF Jalen Johnson might have joined them had he not torn the labrum in his left shoulder in January. Johnson emerged in his fourth NBA season to deliver fantastic fantasy statistics, but his season ended after 36 games.

The fantasy basketball “Do Not Draft” article is mainly about fading players based on their average draft position (ADP), and the “Do Draft” list is the inverse, to a degree.

If I truly believe a player is going to produce outstanding numbers, I might jump a round or more to acquire him. Johnson was among those players last season, when I featured him in this space, and he sure came through with terrific numbers. Perhaps this season will be even better, for health and statistics.

Whether one participates in ESPN’s standard points format or in a rotisserie or categories format, it is critical to look for draft-day value. This might mean different things for different people. I prefer to invest in durable, veteran players likely to contribute across several statistical categories, especially if they fall under the proverbial radar, and often these players are centers and point guards.

Johnson, a forward who accrues assists, was a top-20 fantasy option before the injury. His current fifth-round ADP isn’t near that mark. Thus, he is a solid value, and he is not alone.

James Harden, PG, LA Clippers (ADP: 20.2): The No. 3 option on last season’s final player rater turned 36 this summer, but there is little reason to suspect a marked decrease in production. Harden is back to being a fantasy building block, without the ADP to show it.

Alperen Sengun, C, Houston Rockets (ADP: 26.9): Sengun hasn’t averaged all of 20 PPG, 10 RPG and 5 APG in the same season, but he came close in each of the past two. Could this be the year? The addition of Kevin Durant shouldn’t negatively affect his numbers.

Nikola Vucevic, C, Chicago Bulls (ADP: 32.3): His ADP is higher than it usually is, as fantasy players finally realize the numbers are always there. Vucevic is soon to turn 35, but it shouldn’t stop this being his 12th double-double season with solid shooting.

Evan Mobley, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers (ADP: 34.3): Mobley still falls short of 20 PPG and 10 RPG, but this is the season he gets there. This defensive stalwart started hitting 3-pointers last season, and he will continue to improve.

Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Memphis Grizzlies (ADP: 46.7): Jackson isn’t much of a rebounder, despite standing at 6-foot-10, but it is hard to find a player contributing his combination of steals, blocks and 3-pointers. Jackson has been doing this for years.

Austin Reaves, SG, Los Angeles Lakers (ADP: 54.2): He wasn’t LeBron James, but Reaves made strides in scoring, assists, steals and 3-pointers, and the numbers went up when star Luka Doncic arrived. Reaves finished as the No. 24 option on the final player rater, and he is a steal at this ADP.

Julius Randle, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves (ADP: 70.2): We knew Randle’s numbers would slip upon leaving the Knicks, and they sure did, but a previously overrated fantasy option has become quite underrated with this lowly ADP. Randle still provides ample assists, and he cut down on the turnovers and shot better. He has become quite a bargain.

Darius Garland, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers (ADP: 79): Three other Cavaliers are top-50 picks, but Garland slips, presumably as he recovers from offseason toe surgery. I usually avoid players who are likely to sit out the start of the season, but a point guard who scores and shoots well falling this far in ADP is a bit too much.

Jakob Poeltl, C, Toronto Raptors (ADP: 86.6): Poeltl’s ninth NBA season saw him average career highs in scoring and rebounding, and we cannot overlook the added steals and vast improvement in free throw shooting. Center feels like a deep position after the early rounds.

Brandon Miller, SF, Charlotte Hornets (ADP: 98.4): Miller’s second season was progressing quite nicely, as he averaged 21 PPG and 3.9 3PG before a torn wrist ligament ended things in January. Miller could easily perform as a top-50 player in Year 3.

Anfernee Simons, SG, Boston Celtics (ADP: 99.6): Shots shouldn’t be a problem for Simons as he moves to a depleted Boston lineup. Don’t expect his rate of assists to suddenly blossom, but 20 PPG and a ton of 3-pointers aren’t usually available this late.

Later-round choices to target

Mark Williams, C, Phoenix Suns (ADP: 103.5): Williams hasn’t appeared in more than 44 games in any of his three NBA seasons, but it is quite clear what he can do when he is healthy. Williams scores, rebounds and shoots well. It is OK to take a chance or two this late on major statistical upside.

T.J. McConnell, PG, Indiana Pacers (ADP: 113): Similar to the Celtics, there is a need for production from unexpected options with star Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) out for the season. McConnell is a limited player statistically, but he might be in line for career bests in scoring, assists and perhaps minutes.

Stephon Castle, PG, San Antonio Spurs (ADP: 114.9): The defending Rookie of the Year may never become a great outside shooter, but he thrives in getting to the rim, and there is upside for scoring and defensive numbers. Do not assume rookie Dylan Harper gets in the way.

Bobby Portis, PF, Milwaukee Bucks (ADP: 120.2): A steady veteran who generally comes off the bench to score and rebound, the Bucks might need a bit more production this season. Portis, 30, should be able to provide it.

Zach Edey, C, Memphis Grizzlies (ADP: 130.2): His rookie season went fine, and Year 2 might be delayed as he works his way back from ankle surgery, but again, a potential double-double guy with blocked-shot upside shouldn’t be on the draft board this late.

Dennis Schroder, PG, Sacramento Kings (ADP: 131.6): Annually underestimated, Schroder joins his ninth franchise just during this decade, and whether or not he starts for the Kings, expect enough scoring and assisting to warrant late-round interest. I laugh when I see fantasy managers fade grizzled veterans such as Schroder for high draft picks. How did Minnesota’s Rob Dillingham or Houston’s Reed Sheppard work out?

Kel’el Ware, C, Miami Heat (ADP: 132.7): Ware started 36 games as a rookie, averaging a double-double alongside Bam Adebayo while doing so, and he can block a shot. Don’t expect 15 PPG, but it is hard to find a double-digit rebounder after the 10th round.

Kyle Kuzma, PF, Milwaukee Bucks (ADP: 134.9): An overrated fantasy option for most of his career, Kuzma’s ADP is near rock bottom now, making him a stellar value. We know what we’re getting at this point, and it is mainly Kuzma scoring 16 or so PPG, but that’s enough this late.

Matas Buzelis, SF, Chicago Bulls (ADP: 136.1): Buzelis averaged 13 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 1.1 BPG as a rookie, with solid shooting, and his minutes and production should continue rising in Year 2. Pass at pick No. 100 as he is going much later in drafts.

Isaiah Collier, PG, Utah Jazz (ADP: 139.4): Collier isn’t a strong shooter, though he should make strides in his second season. Anyone potentially starting for an NBA franchise at point guard is worth a late/last pick.

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EA Sports FC 26 icons are some of the best players in Ultimate Team – so here’s which legends you’ll want to get your hands on this year.

Every year, more and more legendary figures from the rich tapestry of football are added the game, with EA Sports FC 26 bringing 14 new Champions League icons to Ultimate Team: the full ratings for the game have dropped, the wonderkids are ready to be signed in Career Mode, and now you’ve got over 150 retired pros to pick from.

With Pele and Diego Maradona leading the way for the best Icon cards you can buy, there are some of the best players of all time available here – so who’s worth picking up?

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The full list

All 159 EA Sports FC 26 icons

You can find the full list of Icon cards below.

Remember that you can use the search bar at the top of the table to look for a specific player, or to find all the players from a particular nation: you can also sort the stats by overall stats, too, with playstyles provided, too.

New icons

All 14 new icons introduced in EA Sports FC 26

Along with cards for Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard, EA have added 12 new players, with two cards each for FC 26 – with each player having a ‘Debut’ card and ‘Champion’ card.

Those who have preordered the Ultimate Edition by August 26 will receive an untradeable Debut icon – available from Early Access Launch – which automatically upgrades to a Champion version in November.

Image 1 of 12

Francesco Totti(Image credit: EA Sports)

A one-club man for Roma and legend of Italian football, Francesco Totti is immortalised with two cards from the start of his career and around the time of the Giallorossi’s last league title in 2001.

Giorgio Chiellini(Image credit: EA Sports)

One of his nation’s greatest defenders ever, Giorgio Chiellinihas been reimagined from his breakthrough at Juventus to his status as the Old Lady’s rugged warrior at the back.

Marcelo(Image credit: EA Sports)

Marcelo appears from two different points in his timeline: from his early days bombing down Real Madrid’s left flank to his unstoppable best in Los Blancos’ serial-winning pomp.

Alex Morgan(Image credit: EA Sports)

One of the United States’ greatest-ever players, Alex Morgan has a new card from her 2019 peak that tops her other Icon card – along with an 86-rated card from her youth.

Caroline Seger(Image credit: EA Sports)

Swedish midfielder Caroline Seger also has a new card to top her last from European triumphs with Lyon, while her early days with the national team are relected in an 86-rated card.

Steffi Jones(Image credit: EA Sports)

German defender Steffi Jones has two new cards, with her Champion icon getting a steep upgrade from her Debut icon card.

Sissi(Image credit: EA Sports)

Brazilian star Sissi has two new icon cards from different points in her Brazil career, with a big upgrade from her Debut to her Champion card.

(Image credit: EA Sports)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is brought to life with a Champion card from his Paris Saint-Germain days – rated higher than his original icon card – while his Debut card takes stats from his Ajax stint.

Cha Bum Kun(Image credit: EA Sports)

Both cards from South Korean superstar Cha Bum Kun are of a similar quality, as EA Sports reflect him breaking on the scene and racking up over 300 displays in the Bundesliga.

(Image credit: EA Sports)

Recently retired Toni Kroosappears as a Debut and Champion card from his Bayern Munich and Real Madrid careers, respectively, as a serious option to enhance any midfield in Ultimate Team.

Oliver Kahn(Image credit: EA Sports)

Iconic stopper Oliver Kahn has two cards, as EA pay tribute to Der Titan with a five-point upgrade from Debut to Champion.

Andres Iniesta(Image credit: EA Sports)

Spanish maestro Andres Iniesta is another star with a brand new card that’s better than his original, as EA recall his peak in La Roja’s Golden Generation.

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PHOENIX — The Dodgers’ bullpen has created more questions than answers. In the final week of the regular season, the team is going off-script in an effort to find a solution.

The 23-year-old Sasaki, who has been on the injured list since May with impingement in his right shoulder, has less than a week to adapt to an unfamiliar role. He will have a legitimate chance to make the postseason roster, which might say more about where the Dodgers are in the bullpen than their opinion on Sasaki as a relief option.

Another telling detail: Clayton Kershaw, at his own suggestion, was available out of the Dodgers’ ‘pen on Tuesday and will be on Wednesday as well.

“Just kind of where weâ€re at, weâ€ve got to get the best guys to get outs,” Roberts said. “So if Clayton is viable, and heâ€s viable, then weâ€re gonna use him. Thatâ€s just kind of where weâ€re at. Weâ€ve had almost six months to make decisions and see where things go. So thereâ€s certainly time, and weâ€re gonna need certain guys.

“But guys have got to do their job. You have to do your job. I canâ€t put it any more nice.â€

The Dodgers are hoping Sasaki can step up and do that job. There were no openings for Sasaki in the Dodgers’ six-man rotation, as it was. The only clear path for the right-hander to close out his rookie year in the Major Leagues was to move to the bullpen, a role he filled for the first time in his professional career during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

“I think he’s embraced it,” Roberts said. “I think he’s done a very nice job. I think once he’s in the ‘pen, we’ll make decisions on when we use him.”

Sasaki made his last two rehab outings in relief and looked markedly better than he had as a starter. He fired two scoreless innings with Oklahoma City over the weekend, striking out three against one walk. His velocity ticked up in a short-burst role, averaging 98.9 mph on his four-seamer on Friday and 97.5 mph on Sunday.

If Sasaki’s velocity and stuff continues to play in relief at the big league level, he could very well crack a postseason bullpen that could use a lockdown right-hander. Whether it’s fair to expect that from an inexperienced Sasaki is another question.

The Dodgers currently have the following righties in their bullpen: Blake Treinen, Kirby Yates, Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein. Treinen (5.55 ERA) and Yates (5.23) have struggled this season, while Henriquez and Klein have pitched a combined 40 1/3 big league innings. L.A. had hoped that Trade Deadline acquisition Brock Stewart would be able to stabilize the group, but his status for the final week of the regular season and beyond appears to be in question.

The Dodgers have gone several directions with their bullpen in leverage situations. Roberts turned to a pair of reliable rookies in Jack Dreyer and Henriquez with a 4-0 lead on Tuesday, only for the duo to give up three runs in the seventh inning. Alex Vesia pitched a scoreless eighth, but another struggling veteran — Tanner Scott — gave up too many free bases and the resulting walk-off knock to Geraldo Perdomo.

So back to the drawing board once more. Why not Sasaki?

The biggest challenge for Sasaki may be the cadence of working in relief. Earlier in the year, the Dodgers mostly kept him on a once-a-week schedule when he was in the rotation in an effort to ease his transition from NPB. He pitched on two days’ rest in his final outing with Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers could try to keep him on that schedule, but the playoffs often necessitate more fluidity with roles and usage.

“I think that’s what he’s done to try to feel his way into this role,” Roberts said. “But if he’s on the postseason roster, anything is on the table.”

Just as anything appears to be on the table for the Dodgers as they search for a solution in the ‘pen.

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SAN DIEGO — Xander Bogaerts is back, and the Padres†offense is just about whole again.

What a time to be getting healthy, too.

The Padres activated Bogaerts off the 10-day injured list after he missed four weeks with a fracture in his left foot. He was in the starting lineup at shortstop against the Brewers on Tuesday night at Petco Park.

“Iâ€m definitely happy to be able to come back a little bit sooner and be able to play in some big league games,†Bogaerts said. “To get a couple games in me before we head into the playoffs will be really nice.â€

Not to say that the Padres’ offense was whole on Tuesday. The day after they clinched their spot in the postseason with a dramatic 11-inning, walk-off victory, a handful of regulars were given the day off. Plus, Fernando Tatis Jr. remained sidelined by an illness that could keep him out Wednesday, as well.

But the point is this: Barring anything unforeseen, the Padres should have a whole offense come next week, when theyâ€ll open their National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday (most likely against the Cubs at Wrigley Field).

Bogaerts†return raises a handful of the usual good-problem-to-have lineup questions. Manager Mike Shildt has noted that Bogaerts will return to the full-time shortstop role, which pushes Jake Cronenworth back to second base and Luis Arraez either to first base or DH.

Presumably, the Padres would then choose between Gavin Sheets and Ryan Oâ€Hearn for a lineup spot — which leaves one of those two available to come off the bench in a big moment. Again, a good problem to have.

Bogaerts, meanwhile, would presumably slot into the No. 7 spot in the lineup when the Padres have their full contingent of hitters available. To combat the effects of the injury, heâ€s wearing both an insert in his shoe and, when he bats, a foot guard. Bogaerts sustained the injury on Aug. 27, when he fouled a ball off his left foot in Seattle.

Bogaerts had a .262/.330/.387 slash line with 10 homers and 20 steals at the time of the injury. Those numbers are well below his career averages, but he had begun to look much better in June, July and August after a very slow start. Heâ€s also been excellent defensively throughout the season, worth 7 Outs Above Average.

Itâ€s unclear exactly what Bogaerts†schedule might look like in the coming days. That could depend on how he feels day to day. But heâ€s confident that returning with five games remaining in the season gives him the right amount of runway to prepare for the playoffs.

“The most important thing is feeling good these couple days, and just keep the momentum going as a team,†Bogaerts said.

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  Kevin PeltonSep 23, 2025, 07:15 AM ET

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  • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus series
  • Formerly a consultant with the Indiana Pacers
  • Developed WARP rating and SCHOENE system

This year’s NBA Rank features massive turnover from 12 months ago. A full 25 of our top 100 players weren’t ranked a year ago, the biggest turnover from one list to the next since 2019. Although one of those players (No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg) wasn’t eligible entering his lone season at Duke, the rest elevated their standing in the league with strong performances.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at which players could join the NBA Rank top 100 next season after falling short this year.

Notably, we’re excluding players who fell off the list solely because of injury. Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum, expected to sit out all of 2025-26 because of their Achilles ruptures suffered in the playoffs, plus Kyrie Irving (who could return from an earlier ACL tear) are all obvious picks once back healthy.

Instead, we’re going to look at 2025 draft picks, young players who could make the leap and players who fell out of the top 100. From last year’s list, we correctly predicted six out of 10, including Flagg. We’ll aim to beat that this time.

ESPN Illustration

Second-year stars

Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

Naturally, second-year players are the most common newcomers to NBA Rank, with an average of about three per year over the past decade. With only one rookie on this year’s list, the rest of the draft is available to join that group.

Of the 11 players drafted No. 2 since 2014, eight of them have made the NBA Rank top 100 by Year 2. The exceptions? Brandon Ingram (who made it for the first time in his third season), James Wiseman and last year’s No. 2 pick Alex Sarr. Harper might not have a large role as a rookie behind veteran starter De’Aaron Fox, which explains why he wasn’t in the top 100, but expect him to show enough promise to crack the list in a year.

Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

After the top two picks, there’s not much correlation between where a player is drafted and their chances of cracking NBA Rank as a sophomore. It’s more a matter of production, as we saw this year with No. 9 pick Zach Edey making this year’s list.

Knueppel, who was named MVP of the NBA summer league championship game after leading to the Hornets to the title, might be as ready to contribute as any rookie outside of his Duke teammate Flagg and has more immediate opportunity than Harper and No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe. So I’m going to bet on him to join the list next year.

Rising young stars

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

As a rookie, Clingan was immediately one of the NBA’s top rim protectors. He swatted 7.5% of opponent 2-point attempts while on the court, second in the league to Victor Wembanyama. Clingan’s offensive game is still a work in progress and he averaged only 19.8 minutes. Portland buying out Deandre Ayton opens up a starting role for Clingan, who averaged double-figure rebounds (10.0 per game) in 37 starts last season. If he averages a double-double and 2-plus blocks, Clingan should sneak into the top 100.

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Zaccharie Risacher, Atlanta Hawks

Risacher is the only No. 1 pick in the past decade not to make the top 100 entering his second season. That’s understandable given his modest rookie production (12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and meager averages in other key categories) and the fact that 2024 was considered a relatively weak draft. At the same time, Risacher finished second in Rookie of the Year voting while turning 20 at the end of the season. Solid growth on an Atlanta team that should return to the playoffs makes him a stronger candidate next year.

Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Among newcomers to NBA Rank, only Ivica Zubac ranked ahead of Thompson’s twin brother, Amen. Ausar isn’t as advanced as Amen, particularly on the offensive end, but showed similar defensive potential after returning from a blood clot. After the All-Star break, Thompson averaged 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks. Only two players averaged at least 1.5 steals and a block per game last season: MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and NBA Rank newcomer Jalen Johnson of the Hawks.

Kel’el Ware, Miami Heat

In 36 starts as a rookie, Ware averaged a double-double of 10.8 points and 10.0 rebounds. He benefited from playing alongside All-Star Bam Adebayo in the Miami frontcourt and isn’t the kind of rim protector that Clingan is. Nonetheless, Ware’s development is well ahead of schedule for what was expected as a project coming out of Indiana. Another year of improvement as a 3-point shooter would put Ware on a top-100 trajectory.

Returning to the list

Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

This is one where I think NBA Rank missed the mark. As high as No. 53 in 2023, entering his final season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey dropped off the list after a lackluster 2024 playoffs. That now seems like an overcorrection after Giddey averaged 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists following the 2025 All-Star break, shooting 46% on 3-point attempts. Giddey’s weaknesses make him a challenging fit in a supporting role, but given the keys to the offense as in Chicago, Giddey can be the engine of a capable attack.

Herbert Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

Remarkably, last year’s edition was the only top 100 Jones has cracked despite an All-Defensive first-team appearance and fifth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023-24. Injuries took Jones out of the mix last season. He played only 20 games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in February. Expected to be healthy, Jones will have an opportunity to restore his value.

Brandin Podziemski, Golden State Warriors

Ranking Podziemski No. 78 on the strength of his rookie season might have been aggressive. Podziemski’s All-Rookie first-team nod was in large part on the strength of 38.5% 3-point shooting, which slipped a bit in Year 2. At the same time, Podziemski increased his usage rate serving as a playmaker for the Warriors’ second unit and was actually more efficient overall. Expect a big Year 3 for Podziemski that should solidify him in the top 100.

Immanuel Quickley, Toronto Raptors

Quickley was out of sight, out of mind last season, when injuries limited him to only 33 games. When he was healthy, Quickley averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 assists in only 27.8 minutes — less than he played after joining Toronto midway through 2023-24. If Quickley merely repeats that production over 60-plus games and helps the Raptors reach the play-in or beyond, he can return to the list after ranking No. 64 a year ago.

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BALTIMORE — Adley Rutschman is back for the final week of the 2025 season.

During Mondayâ€s off-day, the Orioles reinstated Rutschman from the 10-day injured list after the 27-year-old catcher had been sidelined with a right oblique strain since Aug. 21 (retroactive to Aug. 18). Baltimore made room on its 28-man active roster by optioning utility infielder Luis Vázquez to the clubâ€s Spring Training complex.

Right-hander Scott Blewett (who was designated for assignment on Friday) cleared outright waivers and accepted an assignment to the Oâ€s Spring Training complex.

Although the Orioles have only six games remaining — three at home against the Rays and three vs. the Yankees in New York — Rutschman will look to finish strong and build positive momentum to take into the offseason. Itâ€s been a bit of a tough year for the two-time All-Star.

In 85 games, Rutschman is hitting .227 with 16 doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 29 RBIs and a .683 OPS. He also had an earlier stint on the IL due to a separate oblique injury — a left oblique strain that sidelined him from June 20-July 28.

This time, Rutschman played four rehab games for Triple-A Norfolk (three at catcher and one at designated hitter) and went 4-for-11 (.364). He slugged a home run on Saturday against Jacksonville, then collected a pair of hits on Sunday, the final day of the Triple-A season.

Now, Rutschman returns in time for a pair of American League East series to close the Oâ€s year.

Much like Rutschman, the Orioles have had a tough season themselves, as their 73-83 record ensures theyâ€ll finish with a losing mark for the first time since 2021 (52-110). Injuries have been a primary issue, as Rutschman is among 29 players who have spent time on the IL this year.

Baltimore will carry three catchers on its roster for the time being, with Rutschman joining Samuel Basallo (Oâ€s No. 1 prospect and MLB Pipelineâ€s No. 8 overall) and Alex Jackson. That could be a common occurrence in 2026, as the Orioles will want Rutschman and Basallo (who can also play first base) in the lineup together as much as possible.

It is not yet known whether fellow catcher Gary Sánchez will also be reinstated from the IL this week. The 32-year-old has been out due to a right knee sprain and played eight Triple-A rehab games before Norfolkâ€s season ended. Sánchez has been limited to 30 games in his first year in Baltimore due to multiple ailments.

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  Greg WyshynskiSep 22, 2025, 03:00 AM ET

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  Greg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

“Please don’t draft my guy.”

We’ve all been there, right? Pick by pick, NHL players are coming off the board, but you have that one hidden MVP in the queue that you believe no one in your draft knows is an ATM for fantasy points. Finally, you’re on the clock. You check the board just to be sure and then make a selection that you know will power your team to victory and make the other fantasy owners rage with jealousy over your perceptiveness and ingenuity.

The 10 players discussed here are the ones on whom I plant my rhetorical flag for the 2025-26 NHL season. Some of them are obvious calls. But some of them are “please don’t draft my guy” players that you can queue up right now for glory.

As noted, my selections are based on how I believe the players will perform this season and how they’ll rack up the points in the ESPN Fantasy standard fantasy game scoring:

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Skaters: Goals = 2 points, Assists = 1 point, Shots and Hits = 0.1 points Blocked shots and Special-teams points = 0.5 points;

Goaltenders: Wins = 4 points, OT losses = 1 point, Shutouts = 3 points Saves = 0.2 points, Goals against = -2 points.

Here’s the Plant My Flag list for 2025-26. May all your picks turn out to be great ones!

Nikita Kucherov, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

Most fantasy hockey projections have the same five or six forwards ranked near the top — Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak and Kucherov. Draft any of them, and you’re doing pretty good for yourself … but I’m a Kucherov man for a couple of reasons.

While he has led the NHL in assists for two straight seasons, it hasn’t come at the expense of his goal scoring. Kucherov had 44 goals in 2023-24 and another 37 last season. He has had three straight seasons of at least 265 shots on goal. No one has tallied more power-play points (99) over the past two seasons. There’s no reason to believe that consistency is going to wane, given the personnel that still surrounds him in Tampa Bay, from Victor Hedman (66 points) on the blue line to Kucherov’s linemates Jake Guentzel and Brayden Point. Their line averaged just over four goals for every 60 minutes of even-strength ice time they played.

He’s an offensive machine and a durable one at that, missing only five games over the past three regular seasons — and since Russia isn’t participating in the Olympic hockey tournament means he’ll get a midseason breather, too. While Kucherov doesn’t exactly have to prove his worth to anyone, keep in mind that he’s entering the last two years of his contract.

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Pavel Dorofeyev, F, Vegas Golden Knights

The biggest blockbuster move of a rather quiet offseason was when the Golden Knights acquired star winger Mitch Marner from the Maple Leafs. Which naturally means one of the biggest questions entering the 2025-26 season is where and how Marner fits into the Vegas forward group and on special teams and which players will benefit the most from his presence.

There was immediate speculation upon his arrival that Marner will play with No. 1 center Jack Eichel. Coach Bruce Cassidy told NHL.com recently that the two stars still must pass a chemistry test. The fact is that they both like to hang onto the puck and create plays. That could mean they ultimately drive their own lines, but if their chemistry clicks and they become a dynamic duo, Cassidy said they’ll need to find someone that can finish to play on their wing.

That’s where Dorofeyev comes in.

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The 24-year-old winger had the breakout season many predicted he would have last season with 35 goals and 52 points in 82 games. His shooting percentage (13.8) remained consistent year over year while his shot total increased to 254, the highest of his four-season career. He scored 13 of his goals on the power play, which finished second to Winnipeg last season in efficiency (28.3%). Now that unit has Marner, who is 10th in power-play points (96) over the past three seasons.

Am I concerned that Ivan Barbashev could get the spot next to Eichel and Marner, should they pair up? Of course I am, given Barbashev’s previous chemistry with Eichel. So I’m wagering that Dorofeyev’s finishing ability earns him ice time with Eichel or Marner or both, and that last season was the teaser for greater things.

Nick Suzuki, F, Montreal Canadiens

Suzuki has seen notable growth in his point totals over the past three seasons: 66 to 77 to a career high 89 points last season. He’s crossed the 30-goal mark in each of the past two seasons. Still hitting 30 goals while having his power-play goal total drop from 12 to four is pretty impressive.

Like Kucherov, there’s a level of predictability I like here with Suzuki. One assumes he’ll be partnered up with Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky again for the Habs. That line produced 4.3 goals per 60 minutes of even-strength play together last season, which was the highest of any line with at least 500 minutes played together as a trio.

Anything less than 30 goals and between 80-90 points for Suzuki would be disappointing. From a fantasy perspective, he’s averaged 2.11 shots per game over the last three seasons and gets a higher number of blocks and hits than you might expect from a top line center. He also begins the season with a giant carrot in front of him: Team Canada, which didn’t bring him to the 4 Nations Face-Off but is considering him for the Olympics.

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Alex Tuch, F, Buffalo Sabres

Alex Tuch’s all-around game makes him a great fit on ESPN Fantasy Hockey rosters. Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Some players are just perfectly suited for ESPN Fantasy Hockey. There’s nothing more valuable than goals among skaters in standard league scoring, earning two fantasy points per tally. But blocked shots are also at a premium in standard leagues, earning 0.5 points for every block. A player who can score a significant number of goals while blocking a significant number of shots would seem to be one to target on the draft board.

Which brings us to Tuch.

No forward in the NHL last season blocked as many shots at Tuch (113), throwing in 73 hits for good measure. He scored 36 goals (on 196 shots) for the second time in three seasons, tallying 67 points in 82 games last season — the first time he played the full 82 in his career. That he spent a good amount of minutes with star center Tage Thompson certainly helped and hopefully will help again this season. There’s room for improvement, like on the power play where he had a paltry 11 points.

Not every fantasy hockey scoring system is the same. Some might not value Tuch’s particular brand of whimsy. But for ESPN standard scoring, this guy is prototypical.

Will Cuylle, F, New York Rangers

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Talk about a player poised for a breakout. In his second full NHL season, Cuylle had 20 goals and 25 assists in 82 games, with his shot total jumping by 33 shots. He also had 301 hits, 50 blocked shots and three shorthanded points, including two goals. If his year-over-year improvement was tantalizing enough, he’s also likely earned himself a spot in the Rangers’ top six this season.

Cuylle skated a bunch with J.T. Miller at center and with Mika Zibanejad at right wing. Assuming new coach Mike Sullivan decides to keep Zibanejad on the wing — where the veteran scorer found his groove after a terrible first few months of the season — that line averaged 3.8 goals per 60 minutes at even strength together.

My biggest question about Cuylle is on the power play. He averaged only 0:45 on the man advantage last season for the Rangers, and hence mustered only three power-play points. Chris Kreider averaged 2:54 in power-play ice time for the Rangers last season. He’s now draped in Anaheim Ducks orange. Cuylle could be his replacement at the net front of the New York power play and if that happens, his stats could soar.

Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers

Bouchard is the embodiment of the difference between hockey and fantasy hockey. In the NHL, he’s criticized as an incomplete defenseman who can be a liability in his own end and who gave away the puck 128 times last season, the third most in the league. In fantasy hockey, all of that is overshadowed by elite point production while playing with McDavid, Draisaitl and the rest of the Oilers.

Bouchard is ninth over the last three seasons in points (189) and tied for fourth in power play points (74) among defensemen. He’s also tied for eighth in goals (40), which is one of the most enticing aspects of his game from a fantasy perspective: That booming shot on the Oilers power play.

I really hope I’m not planting my flag on a piece of land that’s in slow erosion. His 2024-25 campaign saw his numbers regress across the board, thanks to nine fewer power play points. That’s why ESPN has him ranked No. 45 overall this season. I’m assuming that’s an anomaly and that the point-per-game defenseman we saw in 2023-24 is the real Bouch Bomb. Either way, he’ll also be good for around 230 shots on goal, too.

Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks

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If you don’t know the name, get ready to learn it. The 24-year-old completed his second full NHL season with 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games, with his shots on goal jumping by 79 year-over-year. He also had 129 blocked shots. That earned LaCombe an invite to Team USA Olympic orientation camp this summer.

I expect the Ducks to be an improved team overall with Joel Quenneville behind the bench of a maturing group of talents. That alone is bound to benefit LaCombe. I’m also intrigued to see which defenseman sees the most time with LaCombe, who played a bunch with both Radko Gudas and Olen Zellweger last season.

LaCombe is poised to take another leap in his offensive production with a higher shot volume and some additional power-play time, and he might be just under the radar enough to be a hipster pick in your fantasy draft.

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Sam Rinzel, D, Chicago Blackhawks

There’s a lot of chalk on this list. “Hey, draft Nikita Kucherov!” is not exactly an audacious suggestion. So let’s take a chance on a slightly less sure thing. Let’s plant our flag on a neophyte.

Sam Rinzel enters the 2025-26 season with nine games of NHL experience, in which he had five assists last season. The buzz around this rookie is palpable, with many in Chicago predicting that he could be a top pairing defenseman for the Blackhawks this season.

Rinzel was drafted 25th overall in 2022 out of Chaska High School in Minnesota. He was a raw talent that needed to develop physically and in his own zone. He played two NCAA seasons at Minnesota before making the jump to the NHL last season.

Look, it’s anyone’s guess what he offers the Hawks this season, assuming he gets the spotlight. Maybe 40-plus points with enough power-play time? A combination of blocks and hits that make him a viable fantasy defenseman? That’s the upside.

I should mention that Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh was under consideration here, too. If he makes the team in training camp, I might sprint to the waiver wire because that kid can flat out score.

Karel Vejmelka, G, Utah Mammoth

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Utah has two things this season: A nickname and actual playoff expectations after last season’s 89-point debut in Salt Lake City. They added a couple of nice players (JJ Peterka, Nate Schmidt) to an improving young team with an eye towards contention. If they’re ascendent in the standings, Vejmelka should be the beneficiary.

The 29-year-old goalie inked a five-year extension back in March to solidify his status as the Utah starter. He played 58 games last season out of necessity due to the Utah goaltending depth chart, including 21 games in March and April. The ESPN Fantasy standard scoring puts a premium on wins. Vejmelka had 26 of them last season and could be in line to improve on that if Utah meets expectations.

Mackenzie Blackwood, G, Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are poised to have another 100-point season in the Western Conference and Blackwood is poised to build on his performance from last season. He had 22 wins in 37 games after coming over from the San Jose Sharks, including three shutouts.

Now for the caveat: Last season was the first time that Blackwood played more than 50 games in his career. While some of that can be chalked up to being a tandem goalie in some seasons, much of it was due to his inability to stay in the lineup previously. That he was already dealing with an injury in the preseason doesn’t inspire much confidence in his stability. That established: If he plays, he could be a fantasy-point producing netminder for a Stanley Cup contender.

Emphasis on “if he plays.” Otherwise, it’s time to plant my flag in another crease.

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September 22, 2025 | Paul Stimpson

Eleven Olympic medallists, including one champion, head a star-studded entry list for the WTT Star Contender London at the iconic Copper Box Arena next month.

Top-20 world-ranked players from Japan, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong are heading our way, along with some of Europeâ€s strongest players, including the likes of Bernadette Szocs, Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Darko Jorgic and Anders Lind.

Englandâ€s top players will also be in action, along with Wales†Anna Hursey – and there is still the chance to put yourself at the heart of the action, with tickets still available for the early days of the competition, which starts on 21 October.

Who are the mega-stars heading to London?

The Olympic gold medallist heading to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is Japanâ€s Mima Ito (WR 8), who won the Mixed Doubles title alongside Jun Mizutani in her home nation in the delayed 2020 Olympics.

Ito has no fewer than four Olympic medals, having won Womenâ€s Team silver in Paris last year, as well as Womenâ€s Singles and Womenâ€s Team bronzes in 2020.

Mima Ito on top of the podium with Jun Mizutani at Tokyo 2020

She spearheads a world-leading contingent from Japan who are inbound for London, with siblings Tomokazu and Miwa Harimoto likely to be top seeds in the respective Menâ€s Singles and Womenâ€s Singles events.

Both are also Olympic medallists – Tomokazu (WR 4) having been in the bronze medal-winning Menâ€s Team in Tokyo and Miwa (WR 6) in the squad which took Womenâ€s Team silver in Paris.

Germanyâ€s Dimitrij Ovtcharov is one of the most decorated table tennis athletes of the modern era, having won six Olympic medals overall – team silvers in 2008 and 2020 and bronzes in 2012 and 2016, as well as singles bronzes in both 2012 and 2020. He also has five World Championships medals and a bulging collection of titles at European level, including 10 European Championships golds.

Dimitrij Ovtcharov on his way to bronze at Tokyo 2020

Also coming to London are Womenâ€s Singles bronze medallist from Paris, Hina Hayata (WR 13), and two-time team silver medallist Miu Hirano (WR 32).

The bronze medal-winning Mixed Doubles pair from Tokyo 2020 – Lin Yun-Ju (WR 11) and Cheng I-Ching (WR 15) of Chinese Taipei – further add to the stardust of the event.

South Koreaâ€s World No 17 Shin Yubin (Mixed Doubles bronze and Womenâ€s team bronze from Paris 2024), Hong Kongâ€s Doo Hoi Kem (WR 39; Womenâ€s Team bronze 2020) and Germanyâ€s Shan Xiaona (WR 64; Womenâ€s Team silver 2016) are the other Olympic medallists who have entered.

There is a stack of other high-ranking players who have the London date circled in their diaries, including No 1 female European player Bernadette Szocs (WR 16) of Romania and multiple Europe Top 16 champion Darko Jorgic (WR 10) of Slovenia.

World No 12 female Shi Xunyao of China and Franceâ€s world No 28 Prithika Pavade are in the Womenâ€s Singles entry list.

On the menâ€s side, top attractions include Denmarkâ€s Anders Lind (WR 14), Dang Qiu of Germany (WR 16) and Japanese trop Shunsuke Togami (WR 20), Sora Matsushima (WR 24) and Hiroto Shinozuka (WR 28).

Which home-grown talents are playing?

GB rising star Anna Hursey and a clutch of English athletes will test themselves against some of the best in the world at the WTT Star Contender London.

Hursey, still a teenager, has proved she belongs in stellar company, having recently impressed against world No 1 Sun Yingsha of China on her WTT Champions debut in Macao.

Anna Hursey takes on Sun Yingsha

She will be seeded into the main draw – the only British player to automatically be included in that stage after Tom Jarvis just missed the cut-off.

Jarvis is the highest ranked English male player in the field in the absence of the injured Liam Pitchford, and he is joined by Sam Walker and Connor Green, three of the quartet who will represent England at the European Championships just before the Star Contender.

Tin-Tin Ho leads the English female contingent, which features some exciting young talents keen to grab a chance to shine in exalted company. Tianer Yu, Ella Pashley and Jasmin Wong will feature after first representing England at the Europeans, and they will be joined in London by Sophie Earley, Mari Baldwin and Sienna Jetha.

More English players could still be added to the field, with wildcards yet to be confirmed.

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