I Dig Sports
Fans prefer new stadium over Old Trafford refurb
Manchester United fans are in favour of building a new stadium rather than redeveloping Old Trafford, a club survey has revealed.
The club are consulting supporters over a project which could end up costing 2 billion ($2.6bn). Fans were asked whether they would prefer to see a new stadium built on the site of Old Trafford or for the existing stadium to be developed.
United say that they have received more than 50,000 responses with 52% favouring a new stadium. Redeveloping Old Trafford was chosen by 31% of fans with 17% saying that they are undecided.
A task force set up by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which includes Gary Neville and Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, are set to report their conclusions by the end of the year.
Ratcliffe favours building a new stadium, but sources close to the club have told ESPN that a final decision has not been made.
Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement at United, said in a statement: "We know how important our home is to fans, and we need to listen to them and gain all their views and insights in order to develop the world-class stadium they deserve.
"We are able to view the results through different lenses to understand if our season ticket holders feel differently about anything than say our official members. And if younger fans have different views to older fans.
"This insight is incredibly helpful and allows the project team to understand the differences as well as the commonality in our fanbase."
Ødegaard injury: Arsenal captain back in training
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard returned to training on Tuesday as he edges closer to a comeback from an ankle injury.
The Norway international took part in Arsenal's session at Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of their clash against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Ødegaard's last Arsenal appearance came at the end of August against Brighton, before picking up an ankle injury on international duty for Norway. Last week, Mikel Arteta said he was hopeful of Ødegaard returning to full fitness before the November international break.
Arsenal, who are fifth in the Premier League, have struggled in the midfielder's absence and are winless in their last three league outings.
His return to training is a bright spot for Arsenal after a tumultuous few days, that include the defeat to Newcastle United as well as the resignation of their sporting director Edu.
Will Vinicius Jr. rise above Ballon d'Or snub to be even better? The choice is his
There's a long and glorious history of the greats in life using failure, rejection and criticism to spur them on to heights that, perhaps, they wouldn't have achieved without facing what they considered to be gross unfairness. The question now is whether Vinícius Júnior is about to join the ranks of those who suffered "the slings and arrows of life's outrageous fortunes" and retorted, defiantly, with: "Is that really all you've got?"
The fascination, after his and Real Madrid's furious reaction to last week's Ballon d'Or snub, is augmented by the fact that other people, no matter how talented, take slights, put-downs and setbacks personally, allow adversity to corrode their focus and allow the permanent chip on their shoulder to clip their ability to soar. Is that what the Brazilian is made of instead?
A quick reminder of the context here: Madrid's star player was reportedly furious at not having placed first in the Ballon d'Or voting, having thought he would win outright and having prepared extravagant fiestas to celebrate his taking of the throne. Also, Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, cancelled the club's attendance at last week's Paris gala and subsequently, he, Vinícius, and the entire staff of the European and Spanish champions came under extreme criticism for what was considered "crybaby" behaviour.
Vinicius swiftly used social media to proclaim: "I'll do 10 times more if I have to. They're not ready." A post viewed over 128 million times! Now, if he's preparing to inflict a tempest of brilliance on Madrid's rivals to "show" those who have done him "an injustice," it's worth reflecting on how just such circumstances have had a catalytic impact on a few high-achievers in these situations.
The Beatles were famously rejected by DECCA studios, thought of as derivative and nothing special, before becoming the greatest recording artists in history. Fred Astaire, 37 years after his death, is still regarded as one of Hollywood's all-time greats, but when he was first assessed by MGM studios, their verdict was "Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Not handsome. Can dance a little."
The list goes on. Michael Jordan being cut by the Emsley A. Laney High School team for being too small didn't slow him down from becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time. David Beckham, who was hung out to dry by England manager Glenn Hoddle after the 1998 World Cup, thus unfairly becoming the country's No. 1 villain, only used that thorn in his side to produce brilliance the next season and inspire Manchester United to the Treble.
Remember Lionel Messi? Perhaps he was always destined to achieve preternatural greatness, but he still had to suffer the ignominy of being told by one of Barcelona's directors that he was only going to be the size to make him a good table-footballer -- not much more.
Maybe you feel that to put Vinicius' perceived slap in the face in this category is an exaggeration? That's fine for you, but let me assure you it's precisely how angry and hurt the proud, touchy Brazilian feels.
The question, with AC Milan in town on Champions League duty this week, is: how ready is he to channel his fury and direct it towards still more superlative performances?
It's a pertinent question, not because his character, resourcefulness or competitive aggression are really in question. These personality traits are partly what have led him to soar when, initially, manager Zinedine Zidane didn't much fancy him in Real Madrid's first team, or played him on the right and when the media were obsessed with Vinicius' inability to keep a calm head when trying to finish goal chances. These tenets were also central to the way in which he reacted (you remember this?) when microphones caught Karim Benzema tearing into Vinicius while muttering angrily to teammate Ferland Mendy in Mönchengladbach on a torrid Champions League night.
To have a man that you admire, and who's one of the team leaders, telling his fellow Frenchman: "Don't give the ball to Vinicius ... it's like he's playing for the other team" must have felt devastating. Yet within a matter of weeks, Vinicius was delivering assists for Benzema, their relationship was wholly repaired, and they went on to thrive as a prolific attacking duo. Vitriol from a trusted teammate became a trampoline to greatness; it's downright impressive. But, sometimes, even the most exceptional can allow these types of potholes in their life to drive them down a bad route.
This time I'll ignore song and dance and film and focus on football.
There's no arguing whether or not Roy Keane was one of the great modern midfielders: not only ferocious but a blindingly good footballer. Yet when Alf-Inge Haaland, Erling's dad, insulted him as the Irishman injured his ligaments during a Manchester derby, Keane waited nearly four years before serving up one of the nastiest football tackles you'll ever see and ensured eternal infamy as he, more or less, ended Haaland Sr.'s career.
While I was wholly supportive of Keane when Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy prepared poorly for the 2002 World Cup and then falsely accused Keane of half-hearted attitude when being asked to wear the national shirt, it could still be viewed as the wrong reaction for Keane to walk out on Ireland's training camp and miss the chance to drive forward a team that, according to many of his contemporaries, had the potential to reach the last four or even the final. I'll leave it to you to decide on whether the Irishman's reaction to life's "slings and arrows" was wise or flawed: the fact remains that there was another way to treat these putdowns, a way to harness them and use them positively, rather than be driven by blind fury.
Which path will Vinicius choose?
I'm not boasting to remind readers that I have been, from the outset, one of those who had most faith in the young Brazilian and who always believed that this was a world-class talent, even when he looked so inexperienced. Now that he is approaching 300 games and 100 goals for Real Madrid, I'd point out that for their senior side, he's been sent off just once in all that time. Once more each for his original club, Flamengo, and for Madrid's (Castilla) B team.
Overall, his disciplinary record is statistically excellent. (He's only missed four LaLiga matches due to suspension in roughly six years. a measure that equates to a booking more or less every six matches.) He gets kicked, bullied and racially abused regularly, and is often unsupported properly by referees. In context, his record is almost Zen-like. Nevertheless, it is completely inarguable, even from one of his strongest supporters, that Vinicius' behaviour is increasingly intemperate, provocative and aggressive, and already looks like earning him more red and yellow cards for dissent.
Hopefully he's now developed the maturity and has sufficiently good counsel around him from people like Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric, to avoid letting this sting that he's feeling increase his tempestuousness rather than motivating a tempest of outstanding football. Deep down, I suspect that had his employer not cancelled the expedition to Paris, Vinicius would've attended the gala and, even if his face had looked like he was chewing a wasp, I think he would've sucked up his medicine while Rodri received the coveted golden award.
The 24-year-old is genuinely at something of a crossroads. We know that there was a gargantuan offer from Saudi Arabia for him to abandon LaLiga; we also know that he, sometimes justifiably, feels abused and improperly protected. Until now, he has processed brilliantly those times when it feels like everything is against you.
Vinicius is instinctively a showman at heart, but he has harnessed that inclination to evolve into a devastating effective, decisive and, often, inspirational attacker. How he chooses to channel his fury, and disappointment at this setback is going to form a very interesting second act in the career of an extraordinary, iconic and, to me, extremely exciting sportsman. But don't believe for one second that there isn't a wrong path to go down when, you stare the world in the face and say to yourself: "I will f------ show them!"
I desperately hope that Vinicius chooses well.
NCL round-up: Sylhet top table; Mahedi ten-for seals big win for Khulna
Sent as a nightwatcher on the third evening, Rejaur added 56 runs for the third wicket with Pinak Ghosh, who made 42, before he made 59 runs lasting two and a half hours on the fourth day. Sylhet captain Amite Hasan completed the 190-run chase with his unbeaten 37.
Sylhet's fast bowlers set up their win in the low-scoring game by taking all ten wickets in the Rangpur first innings. Rangpur were bowled out for 158, before Sylhet took a 31-run lead. Rangpur replied with 220, with fifties from Tanbir Hayder and Nobin Islam. The pair added 149 runs for the seventh wicket. Sylhet remain the only unbeaten side in the NCL.
Mahedi took 5-62 to help bowl out Dhaka Metro for 210 runs, before Marshall Ayub led a fightback with his 152. It was his 26th first-class century, as he batted for more than six hours. Aminul Islam made 73 as the pair added 182 runs for the fifth wicket. Mahedi took 5-88.
Khulna then chased 207 runs in 35 overs with quickfire fifties from Anamul and Imrul Kayes.
Rajshahi chased down their 68-run target in 15 overs, losing four wickets in the process.
Batting first, Chattogram put up 391 with Sajjadul Haque making his maiden first-class century at the age of 34. Sajjadul struck 14 fours and five sixes in his 139. He added 221 runs for the second wicket with Parvez Hossain Emon, who got out for 95.
Dhaka replied with 401 with Mahidul Islam Ankon, fresh from his Test debut against South Africa, making 99. He struck five fours and three sixes in his 155-ball stay, before falling to Ahmed Sharif. There were fifties from Ashiqur Rahman Shibli, Joyraz Sheik and Taibur Rahman. Chattogram reached 124 for four in their second innings.
Sources: Lions land DE Smith in Browns trade
The Detroit Lions added a pass rusher before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, acquiring veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith in a deal with the Cleveland Browns, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The first-place Lions, who have been seeking defensive end depth since Aidan Hutchinson's leg injury last month, also received a 2026 seventh-round draft selection from the Browns, who landed a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder in the trade, sources told Schefter.
Smith, 32, has five sacks in nine games this season, his second with the Browns. The three-time Pro Bowler has 65 career sacks over parts of 10 seasons with the Browns, Vikings, Packers and Ravens.
The Lions (7-1) posted a 30.6% pass rush win rate in their three games since Hutchinson's injury, ranking 26th in the NFL during that stretch.
Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg and underwent surgery after Detroit's victory over the Cowboys on Oct. 13. The Lions have not ruled out a return this season for the Pro Bowl pass rusher, who had 7.5 sacks in five games before his injury.
The Lions have won six straight games but have recorded a total of only one sack over their past two, including no sacks in Sunday's crucial victory over the NFC North rival Packers.
Smith is the second established veteran traded away in recent weeks by the last-place Browns (2-7), who have struggled to meet expectations this season after going 11-6 and reaching the playoffs last year.
Cleveland also traded star wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Bills last month for a 2025 third-rounder and a 2026 seventh-rounder.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard contributed to this report.
Power Rankings: Edwards and Jokic hit early-season struggles while Cavs climb
The first couple of weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season have been anything but predictable, with a few preseason contenders having some shaky starts.
In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are still struggling to find their perfect partnership as the Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to one of the worst starts in franchise history. The Philadelphia 76ers are also stumbling without newly acquired superstar Paul George to start the season and are still awaiting the return of Joel Embiid.
On the flip side, the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have had strong starts in the West as the Suns have finally unlocked their big three in Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, and the Warriors have a 3-point phenomenon in offseason acquisition Buddy Hield.
Let's see where all 30 teams stack up two weeks into the season and what to keep an eye on as superstars return from injury and teams begin to find their footing.
Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN's Kendra Andrews, Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.
Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30
Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS
2024-25 record: 7-1
Previous ranking: 1
Next games: vs. GS (Nov. 6), vs. BKN (Nov. 8), @ MIL (Nov. 10), vs. ATL (Nov. 12)
Entering Monday's game in Atlanta, the Celtics are averaging more than 50 3-point attempts per game, five more than the current record holders, the 2018-19 Houston Rockets, and six more than any other team this season, while making 38.1% of them. That's giving Boston a built-in scoring advantage to start just about every game. And expect plenty more to be launched this week inside TD Garden, as Boston hosts Golden State and Brooklyn, both of which are in the top eight in 3-point attempts. -- Tim Bontemps
2024-25 record: 7-0
Previous ranking: 2
Next games: @ DEN (Nov. 6), vs. HOU (Nov. 8), vs. GS (Nov. 10), vs. LAC (Nov. 11)
A smothering defense anchored by NBA blocks leader Chet Holmgren has keyed the Thunder's undefeated start. Entering Monday night, Oklahoma City had the NBA's top-ranked defense by a margin of 6.1 points, allowing only 95.1 points per 100 possessions. The last team to finish a season with a double-digit defensive rating: the 2015-16 San Antonio Spurs, who lost to the Thunder in the conference semifinals. Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort are widely considered among the NBA's best perimeter defenders, but second-year guard Cason Wallace is earning his way into that conversation. Wallace has the lowest defensive rating (86.3) among OKC rotation players and averages 1.8 steals and 3.7 deflections in 25.3 minutes per game. -- Tim MacMahon
2024-25 record: 8-0
Previous ranking: 3
Next games: @ NO (Nov. 6), vs. GS (Nov. 8), vs. BKN (Nov. 9), @ CHI (Nov. 11)
Down 111-108 with 1:18 remaining Monday to the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks, the Cavs used an 8-0 run to secure the win -- and an 8-0 start to the season. Cleveland has now tied the 1976-77 squad for the best start in franchise history, with a chance to set a new record Thursday in New Orleans. -- Dave McMenamin
Darius Garland has quite the night as his 39 points move the Cleveland Cavaliers to 8-0, tying their best start in franchise history.
4. Phoenix Suns
2024-25 record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 7
Next games: vs. MIA (Nov. 6), @ DAL (Nov. 8), vs. SAC (Nov. 10), @ UTAH (Nov. 12)
Jusuf Nurkic started every game for Phoenix so far, but he hasn't necessarily finished. In a win against the Lakers, he played just six seconds in the fourth quarter. And in a victory over the Clippers, he played fewer than four minutes in the fourth. Nurkic is playing just 22.2 minutes per game so far, his least amount of burn since splitting time with Nikola Jokic in Denver to begin his career. -- McMenamin
2024-25 record: 6-1
Previous ranking: 11
Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 6), @ CLE (Nov. 8), @ OKC (Nov. 10), vs. DAL (Nov. 12)
Despite losing Stephen Curry for three games, the Warriors remain incredibly solid with a winning record. Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga have provided Golden State with the supplemental scoring off the bench that it has lacked the past few years. But it's not just the offense that has gotten the Warriors off to a strong start -- their defense has been their anchor. The Warriors rank second in opponent field goal percentage in the paint (49.5%) and first in opponent effective field goal percentage on shots from outside the paint (44%). -- Kendra Andrews
Jordan Poole connects on a 3-pointer for the Wizards before Steph Curry beats the buzzer with a triple to end the half for the Warriors.
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 4
Next games: vs. CHI (Nov. 6), vs. PHX (Nov. 8), @ DEN (Nov. 10), @ GS (Nov. 12)
Coach Jason Kidd has stuck with Daniel Gafford in the starting center role despite the general consensus within the organization that second-year big man Dereck Lively II has a higher ceiling. Kidd has indicated that Lively will get an opportunity to start at some point, but the coaches wanted to avoid the perception that Gafford was getting demoted after he played a critical role in the Mavs' late-season surge and NBA Finals run. Entering Monday night, Lively was averaging about four minutes per game more than Gafford this season. The Mavs have outscored opponents by 10.2 points per 100 possessions with Lively on the floor and have a minus-6.2 net rating in Gafford's minutes. -- MacMahon
2024-25 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 8
Next games: @ ATL (Nov. 6), vs. MIL (Nov. 8), @ IND (Nov. 10), @ PHI (Nov. 12)
Things were downright ugly in New York's season opener against the Celtics. But in the five games since, the defensive duo of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges has been stout, surrendering 101.8 points per 100 possessions in 106 minutes. (That number would rank third in the league behind Oklahoma City and Golden State.) In particular, the pair was relentless in Detroit this past week, helping lead the Knicks to a 16-steal performance in a blowout victory. -- Chris Herring
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 5
Next games: @ CHI (Nov. 7), vs. POR (Nov. 8), vs. MIA (Nov. 10), @ POR (Nov. 12)
Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards hasn't been afraid to let it fly from 3 to start the season. He's shooting 12.3 3s per game, leading the NBA with by far the most 3s he has averaged in his career. James Harden or Curry has led the league in that category each season since 2012-13, but Edwards looks poised to uncrown them, especially if he keeps shooting 43.2% from deep and the Wolves' offense can be effective. Minnesota ranks 13th in points per possession to start the season. -- Jamal Collier
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 6
Next games: @ MEM (Nov. 6), vs. PHI (Nov. 8), vs. TOR (Nov. 10)
The Lakers are 25th in defensive rating, allowing 117.6 points per 100 possessions -- nearly three points more than they did last season, when they finished 17th. When asked what areas of the defense the team has to shore up after losing in Detroit on Monday, Anthony Davis bluntly responded: "Everywhere." -- McMenamin
2024-25 record: 4-4
Previous ranking: 9
Next games: vs. LAL (Nov. 6), vs. WAS (Nov. 8), @ POR (Nov. 10)
Ja Morant has been brilliant with 10 assists or more in five of seven games. But two starters -- Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart -- are dealing with injuries that put them on week-to-week timelines for return, while two rotational players are also working back from injuries in Luke Kennard and John Konchar. All four missed Saturday's win over Philadelphia, along with Cam Spencer and Vince Williams Jr. Memphis' players missed a league-record 578 games combined last season because of injuries, and the club hopes it's not experiencing a repeat this season. -- Michael Wright
Ja Morant dazzles the crowd with two magnificent 360 baskets for the Grizzlies.
11. Denver Nuggets
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 13
Next games: vs. OKC (Nov. 6), vs. MIA (Nov. 8), vs. DAL (Nov. 10)
After a rocky 0-2 start that included a 15-point opening night loss to the Thunder, the Nuggets won three of their next four games, including two overtime wins at Toronto and Brooklyn. They lost a tough game at Minnesota, but Christian Braun's dunk on Rudy Gobert is a glimpse at how Braun will replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the starting lineup with aggressive athleticism and his two-way game. Braun scored in double figures in each of the first seven games and averaged 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 1.0 steals and 42.1% shooting from behind the arc. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
12. Miami Heat
2024-25 record: 3-3
Previous ranking: 18
Next games: @ PHX (Nov. 6), @ DEN (Nov. 8), @ MIN (Nov. 10), @ DET (Nov. 12)
It has been an odd start to the season in Miami. Entering Monday's action, both Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier are shooting better than 40% from 3-point range on more than eight attempts per game, while both Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler have been, at times, bystanders to the action. There's a balance that coach Erik Spoelstra is trying to strike, which could begin after Adebayo scored 32 points in a 118-98 win in Mexico City over the Wizards on Saturday. -- Bontemps
13. Orlando Magic
2024-25 record: 3-5
Previous ranking: 10
Next games: @ IND (Nov. 6), vs. NO (Nov. 8), vs. WAS (Nov. 10), vs. CHA (Nov. 12)
The Magic find themselves in tepid water after losing Paolo Banchero for at least one month with a torn oblique muscle. As a team, the Magic struggle to produce consistent offense and scoring, ranking in the bottom five of the league in offensive rating. Without Banchero -- who had a 50-point game last week -- it'll be even harder to fix their offensive struggles. Orlando will also have to survive without center Wendell Carter Jr., who suffered a left plantar fascia strain. -- Andrews
14. Houston Rockets
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 21
Next games: vs. SA (Nov. 6), @ OKC (Nov. 8), @ DET (Nov. 10), vs. WAS (Nov. 11)
After putting together what coach Ime Udoka said was his team's first statement win Thursday against the Mavericks, the Rockets followed that up with a thrilling overtime loss to the Warriors in which they erased an early 31-point deficit. The Rockets rank near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage, but they've feasted on offensive rebounding (15.3 per game) and second-chance scoring (20.8 points per game) to achieve a 113.9 offensive rating. Despite the rough showing against the Warriors, Jalen Green has taken another step in his development and might be poised to set new career highs in scoring and 3-point percentage. -- Wright
Amen Thompson and Jalen Green seal the Rockets' win late in the fourth quarter with two emphatic dunks against the Knicks.
15. Sacramento Kings
2024-25 record: 4-3
Previous ranking: 19
Next games: vs. TOR (Nov. 6), vs. LAC (Nov. 8), @ PHX (Nov. 10), @ SA (Nov. 11)
Clutch time was an Achilles' heel for the Kings last season, but they were optimistic that adding DeMar DeRozan would alleviate those issues. They got their first taste of the DeRozan and De'Aaron Fox duo in the clutch -- ultimately winning them an overtime game in Atlanta. However, on Monday the clutch time hero for the Kings was not DeRozan or Fox but instead Domantas Sabonis, who had a buzzer-beating putback to win against the Heat, putting the team above .500. -- Andrews
The Kings take down the Heat as Domantas Sabonis hits a clutch putback with less than a second remaining.
2024-25 record: 3-5
Previous ranking: 15
Next games: vs. CLE (Nov. 6), @ ORL (Nov. 8), vs. BKN (Nov. 11)
Less than two weeks into the season, the Pelicans' health is already in season-threatening territory. Guards Dejounte Murray (hand fracture) and CJ McCollum (adductor strain) and forward Herb Jones (shoulder subluxation) are out multiple weeks, while forward Trey Murphy III has yet to return from a hamstring strain. With Zion Williamson sidelined Sunday by hamstring tightness, New Orleans played with only one of its top six players. The Pelicans haven't lost much ground in the standings, but their minus-7.0 point differential ranks 13th in the West. -- Kevin Pelton
17. Chicago Bulls
2024-25 record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 22
Next games: @ DAL (Nov. 6), vs. MIN (Nov. 7), @ ATL (Nov. 9), vs. CLE (Nov. 11)
After finishing in the bottom five of the NBA in 3-point attempts the past two seasons, the Bulls are letting it fly from beyond the arc. They entered this week third in 3-point attempts and fourth in made 3s with a remade, up-tempo offense. Josh Giddey, who the Bulls acquired from Oklahoma City over the summer, has helped ignite the offense with 14.7 points and 6.2 assists while shooting 47.6% from 3.-- Collier
18. Indiana Pacers
2024-25 record: 3-4
Previous ranking: 17
Next games: vs. ORL (Nov. 6), @ CHA (Nov. 8), vs. NYK (Nov. 10)
Two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has been off to a slow start this season after leading his team to the Eastern Conference finals during a breakout 2023-24 campaign. Haliburton is averaging 14.0 points and 7.3 assists on 33.7% shooting, his lowest production since his rookie season. His struggles haven't been a good sign for the Pacers, who have stumbled out the gates because of it. -- Collier
2024-25 record: 1-5
Previous ranking: 12
Next games: @ LAC (Nov. 6), @ LAL (Nov. 8), vs. CHA (Nov. 10), vs. NYK (Nov. 12)
Philadelphia received a much-needed boost Monday night when Paul George made his season debut. But it wasn't enough as the 76ers fell to the Suns after George missed a 22-foot jump shot with 3.1 seconds left in the game. George had been out for three weeks since stepping awkwardly and suffering a bone bruise in a preseason game in Atlanta on Oct. 14. Now, the question will be when Joel Embiid, who also has yet to play this season, will join him. -- Bontemps
20. Atlanta Hawks
2024-25 record: 3-5
Previous ranking: 20
Next games: vs. NYK (Nov. 6), @ DET (Nov. 8), vs. CHI (Nov. 9), @ BOS (Nov. 12)
Without Dejounte Murray on the roster, defenses are loading up on Trae Young. Case in point: Young is passing on 46.2% of his drives this season, up considerably from 35.5% last season. Young's league-leading 11.7 assists per night has helped spark the Hawks' ninth-ranked offense, but the challenge throughout Young's tenure in Atlanta has always been the defense, which ranks 28th so far this season. -- Herring
21. LA Clippers
2024-25 record:
Previous ranking: 16
Next games: vs. PHI (Nov. 6), @ SAC (Nov. 8), vs. TOR (Nov. 9), @ OKC (Nov. 11)
The start to the season has been a glimpse of what the Clippers likely will be until Kawhi Leonard is able to return. Their improved defense has helped them pull off upset wins at Denver and Golden State. But outside of James Harden, Norm Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers don't have enough offense to overcome more talented teams, leaving very little margin for error. It took longer than expected, but after losing their first four home games, the Clippers finally got their first win at Intuit Dome, rallying from a 26-point deficit to stun the Spurs. Next, they're hoping to spoil Paul George's return to L.A. on Wednesday. -- Youngmisuk
22. Milwaukee Bucks
2024-25 record: 1-6
Previous ranking: 14
Next games: vs. UTAH (Nov. 7), @ NYK (Nov. 8), vs. BOS (Nov. 10), vs. TOR (Nov. 12)
The Bucks had one of its worst six-game starts in franchise history, going 1-5 for the first time since the 2000-01 season. Milwaukee has lost six consecutive games despite some dominant performances by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 32.2 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and 62% in the team's first six games. Following Monday's game in Cleveland, the Bucks have two of the Eastern Conference's main contenders over the weekend -- visiting the Knicks on Friday and hosting the Celtics on Sunday. -- Collier
2024-25 record:
Previous ranking: 23
Next games: @ HOU (Nov. 6), vs. POR (Nov. 7), vs. UTAH (Nov. 9), vs. SAC (Nov. 11)
Victor Wembanyama started the season slowly, working his way back into playing shape while dealing with an illness. He's rounding into form, dropping his second career 5x5 game Thursday at Utah to become the third player to ever accomplish that on multiple occasions. Second-leading scorer Devin Vassell is close to returning from offseason foot surgery, having spent the last week with the team's G-League affiliate on a rehab assignment. Vassell's sharp shooting should help Wembanyama get more of the shots he prefers, while finally giving San Antonio its first chance to develop chemistry with the starting group. While they figure out their on-court connections the Spurs will be coached by assistant Mitch Johnson in the interim after head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a health issue before Saturday's game. -- Wright
2024-25 record: 2-5
Previous ranking: 24
Next games: vs. DET (Nov. 6), vs. IND (Nov. 8), @ PHI (Nov. 10), @ ORL (Nov. 12)
LaMelo Ball's offense has been unstoppable: a career-high average of 30.2 points per game on career-best efficiency over the first few weeks of play. The issue, aside from his high turnover rate (tied for most this season with James Harden at 5.5 per game), is he's already fouled out a league-high three times while finishing another game with five fouls. Coach Charles Lee said the club is trying to figure out how to help. "We have to continue to challenge him and we have to learn about, 'Can he guard one-on-one, or do we need to send a double-team every time, or are you going to foul?'" he told reporters. -- Herring
25. Brooklyn Nets
2024-25 record: 4-4
Previous ranking: 26
Next games: @ BOS (Nov. 8), @ CLE (Nov. 9), @ NO (Nov. 11)
For the second straight season, Cam Thomas averaged at least 30 points through his first three games. But there is ample room for his playmaking to grow. Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said as much after the Nets' loss to Detroit on Sunday. "If you're a scorer but they do certain things to you, then maybe it's a day that you score less, but you assist more," Fernandez told reporters of Thomas, who's averaging 26.6 points per night but has just 25 dimes through eight games. -- Herring
26. Toronto Raptors
2024-25 record: 2-6
Previous ranking: 25
Next games: @ SAC (Nov. 6), @ LAC (Nov. 9), @ LAL (Nov. 10), @ MIL (Nov. 12)
After a overtime win Saturday against a visiting Kings team, the Raptors can feel good about remaining competitive despite being without starters Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture), Bruce Brown (knee surgery) and Immanuel Quickley (pelvic contusion). Down two of its top three scorers, Toronto has relied heavily on RJ Barrett, who's averaging 28.8 PPG and 7.3 APG since returning from his own shoulder injury. And second-year guard Gradey Dick has taken a leap as a starter, pushing his scoring average from 8.5 PPG as a rookie to 21.0 thus far while shooting more accurately. -- Pelton
2024-25 record: 2-4
Previous ranking: 30
Next games: @ MEM (Nov. 8), @ ORL (Nov. 10), @ HOU (Nov. 11)
Washington put together its first winning streak of the season with consecutive wins over the Hawks last week. While that streak ended in Mexico at the hands of the Heat, the Wizards have seen some positive signs early. With Kyle Kuzma sidelined the past two games, young players like Bilal Coulibaly have stepped up. Coulibaly had 27 points, nine rebounds and three steals in the Wizards second win over Atlanta on Wednesday. He followed that up with 22 points and eight rebounds against the Heat. Since scoring eight points in the season opener, Coulibaly scored in 22 or more points in three of his next four games. And entering his reunion with his former team Golden State on Monday night, Jordan Poole was averaging career highs of 22.2 points, 5.4 assists and 51.2% 3-point shooting. -- Youngmisuk
28. Detroit Pistons
2024-25 record: 3-5
Previous ranking: 28
Next games: @ CHA (Nov. 6), vs. ATL (Nov. 8), vs. HOU (Nov. 10), vs. MIA (Nov. 12)
With Monday's impressive win over the Lakers, the Pistons have already surpassed the two wins they had through their first 30 games of 2023-24 in which they had an NBA-record 27-game losing streak. After starting 0-4 this season, Detroit has now won three of the last four games. Most importantly for the Pistons' future, the young backcourt of Cade Cunningham (shooting at career-high rates on both 2s and 3s) and Jaden Ivey (new career highs in both usage and true shooting percentage) is flourishing with veteran shooters around them. -- Pelton
2024-25 record: 3-5
Previous ranking: 27
Next games: @ SA (Nov. 7), @ MIN (Nov. 8), vs. MEM (Nov. 10), vs. MIN (Nov. 12)
The frisky Blazers have shown their improved depth, shooting and defense can catch unsuspecting veteran teams for an upset, as they defeated the Clippers last Wednesday at Intuit Dome. Yet Portland still boasts the West's second-worst point differential due to lopsided losses to the Warriors and Thunder. That reflects the Blazers attempting to thread the needle between showing progress this season -- particularly second-year guard Scoot Henderson, who's cut his turnovers and improved his scoring efficiency -- while remaining in position for an anticipated draft lottery. -- Pelton
30. Utah Jazz
2024-25 record: 1-6
Previous ranking: 29
Next games: @ MIL (Nov. 7), @ SA (Nov. 9), vs. PHX (Nov. 12)
Third-year center Walker Kessler has been a bright spot during the Jazz's early-season woes. Kessler is averaging 9.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocks, a production boost across the board. After an All-Rookie season, Kessler admittedly didn't make the strides he hoped to in his sophomore year. He impressed the Jazz's coaching staff with his response over the summer, when the 7-footer packed on more than 20 pounds to beef up to 272. -- MacMahon
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Finals because of an "ongoing injury".
The 37-year-old Serb, who has won a record seven titles at the event, had already qualified as the sixth best player on the ATP Tour this season.
"I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week," Djokovic wrote on social media.
"Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon."
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam men's singles titles, indicated last month that competing in the tour's year-end finals was not a priority.
"I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings," Djokovic, who beat the current world number one Jannik Sinner to win last year's title, told Serbian reporters., external
The former world number one reiterated he wants to focus on the Grand Slams as he looks to prolong his career.
It means his next tournament is likely to be the Australian Open, which starts on 12 January.
In Melbourne, Djokovic will be aiming for an all-time record 25th major singles title - putting him clear of Australia's Margaret Court - and a 100th tour-level trophy.
His withdrawal from the ATP Finals means the eight-man field for the Turin tournament is set.
Norway's Casper Ruud, Australia's Alex de Minaur and Russia's Andrey Rublev, who looked set for an exciting battle this week for the final two places, have qualified as a result.
Italy's Jannik Sinner, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Germany's Alexander Zverev, Russia's Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz of the United States had already clinched their spots.
The tournament takes place in the Italian city between 10-17 November.
White, 32, only made his debut in 2020 but has built a strong record, particularly in red-ball cricket where he has taken 114 wickets 25.18.
"I'm incredibly honoured and extremely excited to begin this new chapter with Yorkshire," White said. "Headingley is a special place to play and having had discussions with the coach and the leaders of the club I'm looking forward to continuing to develop my game and playing my part in achieving success for Yorkshire."
Yorkshire finished second in Division Two last season, securing a return to the top flight for the first time since 2022.
Gavin Hamilton, general manager of cricket for Yorkshire, said: "We're delighted Jack has committed his future to Yorkshire. He is a brilliant addition to the team - offering up another dimension to our bowling attack.
"He's someone who puts in the hard work and came into the professional game at a later stage of his development. He is the kind of player and person who will continue to add to our dressing room, and we look forward to working with him at the club."
Northamptonshire said they were "disappointed" to lose White, who was under contract until the end of the 2025 season.
"While it is a real shame that Jack has decided to move elsewhere, everyone would like to thank him for his efforts in a Northamptonshire shirt and we wish him the best moving forward," chief executive, Ray Payne, added.
Millar Mills began his career with Yorkshire Carnegie, followed by a first spell at Edinburgh and three years with Ealing Trailfinders.
He moved into the Premiership by joining Wasps in 2021 but was left without a club when they went out of business the following year.
"His story is unique; after what happened at Wasps, he bounced around and played with the Barbarians, Bath and Edinburgh," said director of rugby Phil Dowson.
"To then find a home with us, where he felt comfortable to be himself and felt comfortable to put those performances out on the pitch, shows his character.
"We'll keep pushing him to achieve more and, as with everyone in our squad, I want to make sure we get the absolute best out of him."
Neymar on latest injury: Nothing more than cramp
Neymar was not too downcast after being forced to leave Monday's Asian Champions League Elite match due to injury with the Al Hilal forward saying he felt the issue was nothing more than a strong cramp.
Brazil forward, who limped off 30 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute in Al Hilal's 3-0 win over Esteghlal, said doctors had warned him about the potential for muscle issues following his return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 32-year-old returned to action two weeks ago, having been out since Brazil's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October last year when he suffered the injury.
"It felt like a cramp, only very strong!" Neymar posted on Instagram. "I'm going to have some tests and I hope it's nothing too serious.
"It's normal for this to happen after a year, the doctors had already warned me, so I have to be careful and play more minutes."
Neymar has played only seven games for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal since moving from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported fee of around 90 million ($97.90m) in August last year.
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