Sports
NBA season-preview capsules: Southwest Division
Get to Know: Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore is one our picks for breakout players in the Southwest. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) needs no formal introduction after winning NBA Rookie of the Year last season. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images San Antonio Spurs
Predicted 2024-25 record: 38-44
Last season: 22-60, 14th in NBA Western Conference.
Last time …
The Spurs had a head coach not named Gregg Popovich it was Bob Hill, who held the job from 1994-96. Popovich’s 29-year run on the bench currently stands at 2,209 games.
FanDuel championship odds: +15000
Roster roll call
Draft Picks:
No. 4, PG Stephon Castle, UConn
No. 36, PG Juan Nunez, Spain (acquired from Pacers)
No. 48, F Harrison Ingram, North Carolina
DEPARTURES: F Dominick Barlow, G Devonte’ Graham, F Cedi Osman
VETERAN ADDITIONS: F Harrison Barnes, PG Chris Paul
Big picture
Victor Wembanyama elevated the outlook in San Antonio for the first time in several seasons with a Rookie of the Year showing as the teen anchor of a young roster in the center of a top-down rebuild. The French star became a feisty centerpiece of the Spurs’ defense to the delight of his throwback coach and nobody doubts where the ball will go with the game on the line. Castle is a playmaker with versatility who should benefit from Paul’s arrival, and Barnes brings championship pedigree with flexibility of his own. The playoffs aren’t exactly a pipedream this season, but another piece would help the Spurs win more fights in the loaded Western Conference.
Get to know …
F Jeremy Sochan
A surprisingly complete stat line last season put Sochan on the radar of fantasy basketball players. He averaged 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists with a willingness to play any role Popovich could dream up. Yes, that included a stint as point forward and most of the second half of the season at power forward before a left ankle injury shelved him down the stretch. Teammates said the 21-year-old Sochan picked up his perimeter shooting and could be even more well-rounded next to Wembanyama this season.
–Dallas Mavericks
Predicted 2024-25 record: 50-32
Last season: 50-32, 5th in NBA Western Conference.
Last time …
The Mavericks won 50-plus games in consecutive seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11, when Dallas finished 57-25 and defeated the Miami Heat in six games to win their lone NBA championship. The Mavericks went 55-27 in 2009-10 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
FanDuel championship odds: +1100
Roster roll call
Draft Picks:
No. 51, F Melvin Ajinca, France (acquired from Knicks)
No. 58, C Ariel Hukporti, Germany (traded to Knicks)
DEPARTURES: F Derrick Jones Jr., G Tim Hardaway Jr., G Josh Green
VETERAN ADDITIONS: G Klay Thompson, G Spencer Dinwiddie, F Naji Marshall, G Quentin Grimes
Big picture
The Mavericks’ surprising run to the NBA Finals materialized from the individual brilliance of Luka Doncic, who earned his fifth consecutive first-team All-NBA nod, the complementary scoring punch provided by Kyrie Irving, and the trade deadline acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, who combined to supply the scoring, rebounding and defense Dallas sorely needed in the margins. Thompson is tasked with rounding out the offense with his exceptional perimeter shooting while Dinwiddie offers a dependable, tertiary ball handler off the bench. The Mavericks not only have the experience needed to fashion another deep playoff push, but their depth should alleviate the pressure on Doncic to do everything when the moments are crucial.
Get to know
G Jaden Hardy
While Hardy experienced a slight downtick in productivity relative to average points, minutes and rebounds with declining shooting efficiency, his increase in games played — 73 to 48 — from his rookie campaign to his second season portends greater opportunity as a third-year player. Hardy has commented on a greater commitment to defensive reliability, but his scoring off the bench could be as valuable for the Mavericks, who remain in search of offensive cogs capable of playing alongside Doncic or Irving when that gifted tandem has their playing time staggered.
–Houston Rockets
Predicted 2024-25 record: 44-38
Last season: 41-41, 11th in NBA Western Conference.
Last time …
The Rockets went five consecutive seasons without qualifying for the playoffs was from 1969-70 through 1973-74, bridging their final two seasons in San Diego and their first three in Houston. The Rockets last participated in the playoffs in 2019-20, when they were eliminated in the conference semifinals.
FanDuel championship odds: +8000
Roster roll call
Draft Picks:
No. 3, G Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
No. 44, G Pelle Larsson, Arizona (traded to Heat)
DEPARTURES: F Reggie Bullock, C Boban Marjanovic
VETERAN ADDITIONS: C Steven Adams
Big picture
The Rockets have drafted and developed a promising core of six players all 23 years old or younger, with the 20-year-old Sheppard joining that mix this season. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, both entering their fourth seasons without an extension beyond their rookie contracts, are integral to the Rockets moving beyond their protracted rebuild and ending their four-year playoff drought. And while the additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks last offseason helped yield a spirited, unsuccessful late-season playoff charge, Houston would be better positioned in the future if Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore enjoy larger roles in their second seasons at the expense of the veterans – VanVleet and Brooks – blocking their future as starters.
Get to know …
F Cam Whitmore
Although he earned a reputation as a black hole offensively, Whitmore showcased an all-around skillset as a 19-year-old rookie that justified his aggression. Whitmore averaged 23.7 points per 36 minutes (on 19.1 field goal attempts) and flashed talent at all three levels on offense. His rim attacks resulted in numerous thunderous dunks and his perimeter touch – Whitmore shot 35.9% on nearly five 3-point attempts per game – was a pleasant surprise. Whitmore seems poised to explode as a plus scorer, with the lone restriction being the minutes total he records.
–Memphis Grizzlies
Predicted 2024-25 record: 50-32
Last season: 27-55, 13th in NBA Western Conference.
Last time …
A pair of teammates were named to the All-Defensive first team was 2020-21, when Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo accomplished the feat while with the Bucks. Jaren Jackson Jr. earned first-team accolades in 2021-22 and 2022-23 while Marcus Smart was named to the All-Defensive first time three times over the last six seasons.
FanDuel championship odds: +3400
Roster roll call
Draft Picks:
No. 9, C Zach Edey, Purdue
No. 39, F Jaylen Wells, Washington State
No. 53, G Cam Spencer, UConn (acquired from Pistons)
DEPARTURES: G Jordan Goodwin, G Derrick Rose, F Lamar Stevens, F Yuta Watanabe, F Ziaire Williams
VETERAN ADDITIONS: None
Big picture
Everything starts and ends for the Grizzlies with point guard Ja Morant, who lost 73 games to suspension and injury last season. Morant is a two-time All-Star, the 2019-20 Rookie of the Year, and a second-team All-NBA selection in 2021-22. While his off-court issues have been well-documented, Morant remains Memphis’ driving force, and his extended absence last season scuttled the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes. Memphis fielded an ascendant roster before Morant was lost, and with Desmond Bane, Jackson and Smart back in the fold, the Grizzlies certainly have the firepower to reclaim their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. If Morant is locked in mentally and healthy, the sky is the limit for these Grizzlies.
Get to know …
F GG Jackson II
When it became clear that all was lost for the Grizzlies last season, Jackson earned his chance to shine. He didn’t squander the opportunity, averaging 19.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while starting the final 16 games. That stretch culminated with the 19-year-old Jackson taking 20-plus shots in his final three starts while posting 32.3 points, five rebounds and 2.3 steals in those games. Memphis finished last in the NBA in offensive efficiency according to basketball reference. Jackson has shown the scoring prowess to undergird a better offense this season.
–New Orleans Pelicans
Predicted 2024-25 record: 42-40
Last season: 49-33, 7th in NBA Western Conference
Last time …
The Pelicans won 50-plus games in a season was their first in New Orleans, when they were still the Hornets and finished 56-26 en route to a conference semifinals berth. Last season marked the third time the Pelicans won at least 49 games since their relocation from Charlotte.
FanDuel championship odds: +5000
Roster roll call
Draft Picks:
No. 21, C Yves Missi, Baylor
No. 47, G Antonio Reeves, Kentucky (acquired from Magic)
DEPARTURES: C Jonas Valanciunas, F Naji Marshall, F Larry Nance Jr., G Dyson Daniels
VETERAN ADDITIONS: G Dejounte Murray, G Javonte Green, C Daniel Theis
Big picture
Swapping out Valanciunas (6-11, 265) for Theis (6-8, 245) could potentially weaken the Pelicans on the glass. New Orleans finished 10th last season with a 50.5% rebound rate with Valanciunas, who averaged 10.1 rebounds over three seasons in New Orleans, leading the way. Theis has averaged only 4.8 rebounds during his 373-game career, and with starting forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram combining to snag 10.9 rebounds per game in 2023-24, the Pelicans might be susceptible on the boards with Theis inside. Of course, Williamson can mitigate many concerns should he enjoy another healthy campaign with peak production. He averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and five assists while playing a career-best 70 games.
Get to know …
F Trey Murphy III
Murphy finished second in Most Improved Player voting in 2022-23, his second season in the NBA. Injuries undermined his counting stats last season, but Murphy displayed additional improvement while averaging career highs in scoring (14.8 points), rebounding (4.9) and assists (2.2). His efficiency took a step back, with Murphy – who played a career-low 57 games last season – posting a 57.9 effective field goal percentage compared to 61% in 2022-23. But with Murray arriving as a true point guard running the offense, Murphy could enjoy superior perimeter looks this season.
Sports
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images LAS VEGAS — Entering her eighth season in the WNBA, Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson is poised to build on what was arguably the most dominant individual campaign in league history.
Wilson joined Cynthia Cooper (1997) as the second player in league history to win a unanimous MVP award and joined an exclusive club as the fourth player to win the award three times. She averaged 26.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last season and set the all-time single-season mark for points (1,021) and rebounds (451).
Unfortunately for Las Vegas, injuries and fatigue from their two previous championship runs mounted and resulted in the team’s worst regular-season record (27-13) since 2019. The Aces’ three-peat hopes ended with a 76-62 home loss to the New York Liberty to drop their semifinal series 3-1.
It’s that loss on her home floor that served as Wilson’s motivation this offseason.
“Losing sucks, especially on your home court,” Wilson said “It still kind of burns a little bit, but I’ve used that as fuel to help my teammates understand how hard it is to win in this league. Yes, we can celebrate the two championships. They were great. But for us to move forward, we have to understand how hard this league is and value the basketball and the little things. I think that’s what we lacked last season, so we’re going to make sure that we can show up better than we did.”
While the Aces appeared to be on top of the world heading into their potential three-peat campaign in 2024, the reality inside the locker room was that both the internal and external pressure to win another championship had become suffocating. A common theme across media day was the fact that the team feels less pressure entering the 2025 season, a sentiment Wilson shared as the unquestioned leader of the team.
“(Three-peat talks) obviously impacted us, because it’s like, y’all think we don’t want to win? We’re trying as well,” Wilson said.
“I would definitely say it’s refreshing this year. I feel like this is one of my only years where it feels like there’s no weight. There’s a lot of weight to be defending champs. It’s a lot of weight to be trying to win one. We don’t have that. We actually have a clean slate to really dial into getting back to who we are culturally, like, in our system and everything.”
Leading the Aces back to the top of the mountain for a third time in four years is one of a few historically significant achievements Wilson can collect this upcoming season. Wilson could also become the first four-time MVP in league history, though the meaning of that is something she hasn’t quite allowed herself to ponder yet.
“I haven’t given it much thought, but it would be a blessing to have my name in that conversation,” Wilson said. “Every year, I try to be better than I was the year before just to give myself a chance in this league. Because the league is getting better. We’re growing. At this point, you just want to maintain your stamina. You want to maintain your mental, all of that, because the season gets hard. I can’t think too much about that just yet, but I’m definitely going to try to be better than I was last year.”
As Aces coach Becky Hammon put it, fans can expect to see an even better version of Wilson this season.
“What I see is, she went and got better,” Hammon said. “Which is hard to do when you’re already the best, but it speaks to her work ethic, her desire and her mindset this whole offseason. We talked a lot this offseason. She’s a busy lady, but I can tell you what she always does is her workouts. She’s always getting her workouts in. That comes first and foremost, she never gets her priorities jumbled up.”
When Hammon was asked what a player like Wilson would possibly need to improve after last season’s campaign, the coach did not feel like revealing too much.
“There was (something for Wilson to improve), and she did,” Hammon said. “I’m not going to tell you what it was. Actually, there were two things.”
–Will Despart, Field Level Media
Sports
Jacob Wilson joins Aaron Judge in spotlight for Yankees-A's series
May 5, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) throws to first for an out against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images The top two hitters in the majors square off Friday night when the New York Yankees face the Athletics in the opener of a three-game series in Sacramento, Calif.
It’s no surprise to see Yankees star Aaron Judge off to a superb start after winning American League MVP honors last season. He has a major league-best .400 batting average and entered Thursday’s play tied for the big-league lead with 12 homers and 34 RBIs.
But who had Athletics rookie Jacob Wilson ranking second in the majors at .357 as the season nears the quarter pole? Wilson has played in just 64 career games and quickly has solidified himself as a future All-Star, perhaps even this season.
Sharing the marquee board with Judge seems quite surreal for the 23-year-old shortstop who was the No. 6 overall pick of the 2023 draft.
“It’s a great feeling, for sure,” Wilson said of his name being mentioned with Judge. “Obviously, everybody has seen what he is doing. It’s pretty incredible watching him do his thing on a daily basis. To be up there with him is pretty cool for me.
“I’m excited to play against him this week and see what it looks like in person.”
Wilson had his first career four-hit game during Wednesday’s 6-5 home loss against the Seattle Mariners and has six multi-hit outings in the past eight games. He went 8-for-14 with one game-winning hit in the three-game series against the Mariners and is 16-for-34 (.471) with four walks during the eight-game stretch.
The hot hitting led to Athletics manager Mark Kotsay moving Wilson to the leadoff spot on Wednesday. Kotsay indicated Wilson may be sticking at the top of the lineup.
“I think you’ll see Jacob up there now,” Kotsay said. “Jacob’s earned it. … Jacob has shown enough over the last week. He’s walking and taking pitches, and, obviously, swinging the bat really well.”
Judge arrives in Sacramento in the midst of a four-game funk in which he is 2-for-15.
The two-time MVP just went 1-for-10 in a three-game home series against the San Diego Padres, but the one hit was a homer.
Judge grew up 50 miles south of Sacramento in Linden and starred for Linden High but wasn’t highly sought by major league teams. The then-Oakland Athletics selected him in the 31st round in 2010.
Judge instead went the college route and starred for Fresno State. He was chosen in the first round (32nd overall) by the Yankees in the 2013 draft.
Trent Grisham was one of the heroes of Wednesday’s 4-3, 10-inning win over the Padres. He hit a tying two-run pinch-hit homer in the eighth inning.
Grisham had two homers and five RBIs in the series against the Padres — one of his former teams — and already has 10 long balls in just 89 at-bats. He hit just nine last season in 179 at-bats.
“I’m having fun with the guys, I would say that more than anything,” Grisham said. “The clubhouse is really good in here, led by Cap (Judge). So, I would say the guys have been the most enjoyable part.”
New York is starting right-hander Will Warren (1-2, 5.65 ERA) in Friday’s series opener. Right-hander Osvaldo Bido (2-2, 4.71) will be on the mound for the Athletics.
Warren, 25, struck out a career-high eight in 4 2/3 innings while losing to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. He gave up five runs (three earned) and seven hits. Warren hasn’t previously faced the Athletics.
Bido, 29, received a no-decision against the Miami Marlins last Saturday when he gave up four runs on three hits over five innings. He is winless (0-1) over his last three starts. Bido hasn’t faced the Yankees.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao coming out of retirement
Aug 21, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada; Manny Pacquiao (right) fights Yordenis Ugas in a world welterweight championship bout at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao plans to end his retirement and return to the ring on July 19 against Mario Barrios in Las Vegas, ESPN reported Thursday.
Pacquiao, 46, will be fighting for the first time since losing a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
The fight will be for Barrios’ WBC welterweight championship belt. Barrios turns 30 on May 18.
Pacquiao is an eight-division champion who is slated to be inducted into the boxing Hall of Fame in June. He reportedly will formally announce his return to boxing next week. The report stated that Pacquiao has been cleared to compete by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
In recent years, Pacquiao has been focusing on his political career in the Philippines.
The boxer nicknamed “PacMan” has a 62-8-2 record with 39 knockouts during his career. He won his first major title — the WBC flyweight crown — at age 19 in 1998.
Pacquiao was 54-3-2 prior to turning 33 and 8-5 afterward. One of those losses was to Floyd Mayweather Jr. via unanimous decision in 2015, a bout that reportedly drew nearly $400 million in pay-per-view sales.
Barrios (29-2-1, 18 knockouts) fought to a 12-round, split-decision draw against Abel Ramos last November. This will be his third defense since winning the title by beating Ugas in 2023.
–Field Level Media
A'ja Wilson has no shortage of motivation after Aces' early exit in '24
Best Mothers Day gifts: Show mom some love
