NBA analysts believe the Atlanta Hawks could improve a lot in the 2026-27 season. ESPN ranked them sixth among teams most likely to surprise and make a big jump in performance.
Key Facts
ESPN’s panel gave the Hawks 14 points in their ranking of teams likely to improve greatly.
The Hawks were sixth on the list behind the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, who had the highest points.
Other teams expected to improve included the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
The Hawks scored just one point less than the Mavericks and 76ers, showing strong belief in their potential.
Analysts see the Hawks as a team that could change significantly, not just make small improvements.
Preseason predictions are uncertain since actual NBA seasons can differ from expectations.
This recognition is seen as positive for the Hawks as they enter a new phase.
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The article discusses how fantasy football fans are getting ready for their 2026 drafts. It includes advice from Sports Illustrated senior fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano about players who may perform well or poorly in the upcoming season.
Key Facts
Fantasy football fans are preparing for their 2026 drafts.
Michael Fabiano, a senior fantasy analyst at Sports Illustrated, shares tips.
The advice focuses on players who might be good choices or risky picks.
Fantasy football involves drafting real NFL players to create a virtual team.
Draft preparation is important for making good decisions in the game.
The article appeared on CBS News and is aimed at helping fans improve their draft strategy.
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Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked women’s tennis player, has struggled in recent tournaments but aims to win her third straight US Open title. She remains confident and focuses on improving her mental game despite setbacks.
Key Facts
Sabalenka is the current number one women’s tennis player.
She has not advanced past the fourth round in her last few tournaments.
She won the US Open titles in 2024 and 2025.
Sabalenka had successful early 2026 season results, including winning two hard-court titles.
She lost early at Wimbledon and subsequent North American tournaments.
Sabalenka is working on her mental strength to improve her performance.
She has a strong presence off the court with endorsements and social media.
Sabalenka is engaged and has taken vacations during the tennis season.
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The Miami Heat have high hopes after acquiring star player Giannis Antetokounmpo, but ESPN analysts predict the team may still disappoint in the 2026-27 NBA season. The Heat traded future draft picks and young players to get Antetokounmpo, raising expectations for a strong playoff run.
Key Facts
Miami Heat added Giannis Antetokounmpo in a big trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
ESPN ranked the Heat fourth among NBA teams most likely to disappoint in 2026-27.
Only the Lakers, Pistons, and Warriors were ranked higher on this disappointment list.
The Heat gave up three first-round draft picks and young player Kel’el Ware to get Antetokounmpo.
Concerns focus on whether the team will convert Antetokounmpo’s presence into a deep playoff run.
The team’s talent is not in question; expectations are higher because of the new star addition.
Miami is expected to compete for an NBA title with Antetokounmpo on the roster.
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The Boston Celtics face a season with high expectations but also a risk of disappointing fans and analysts. After trading All-Star Jaylen Brown, experts ranked them among the teams most likely to fall short this year, but not necessarily fail completely.
Key Facts
The Celtics traded All-Star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
In return, Boston received Paul George and draft picks.
Last season, the Celtics won 56 games.
ESPN ranked Boston fifth among NBA teams most likely to disappoint this season.
The four teams ranked above Boston were the Lakers, Pistons, Warriors, and Heat.
Boston earned 17 points in ESPN’s disappointment ranking, the highest outside the top four teams.
The Celtics face pressure because fans and analysts expect them to compete for a championship.
Falling short of championship expectations can make a solid season feel like a failure for the Celtics.
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The Charlotte Hornets are seen as a team that could improve a lot in the 2026-27 NBA season. ESPN ranked them tied for seventh place among teams that might surprise people with big progress.
Key Facts
ESPN listed the Hornets as one of the NBA teams likely to make a major leap next season.
Charlotte tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for seventh place in this ranking.
The Hornets received 10 points in ESPN’s ranking system.
Teams ahead of Charlotte included the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz, each with 46 points.
Last season, the Hornets finished with 19 wins and 63 losses.
Even a big improvement from last season’s record would change how people view the team.
The ranking highlights teams with the potential for substantial improvement, not just the biggest jump.
Charlotte is seen as a team worth watching in the coming NBA season.
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Cale Makar, a defense player for the Colorado Avalanche, signed a new contract worth $163.2 million for eight years. This contract makes him the highest-paid player ever in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Key Facts
Cale Makar plays defense for the Colorado Avalanche hockey team.
He signed an eight-year contract extension worth $163.2 million.
This contract is now the largest in NHL history.
Makar's new deal surpasses the previous record of $136 million over eight years by Kirill Kaprizov.
Makar is 27 years old and just finished a season with 20 goals and 59 assists.
He finished second in voting for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the best defenseman in the NHL.
Makar has won the Norris Trophy twice during his career.
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Manchester City won 4-1 against Crystal Palace in a Premier League match, keeping their perfect record this season. Key players Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scored two goals in the game.
Key Facts
The match took place in London on August 28, 2026.
Erling Haaland scored the first goal with a header 17 minutes into the game.
Rayan Cherki scored two quick goals early in the second half.
Crystal Palace scored once from a free kick that rebounded off their goalkeeper.
Haaland scored the final goal with a left-footed shot near the end.
This was Cherki’s first time scoring two goals in a Premier League match.
Manchester City has six points from two games and leads the league.
Crystal Palace has no points after two games and is adjusting to a new coach.
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Manchester City won their Premier League match against Crystal Palace with a score of 4-1. Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki each scored two goals to help their team win easily.
Key Facts
Manchester City played against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The final score was 4-1 in favor of Manchester City.
Erling Haaland scored two goals in the match.
Rayan Cherki also scored two goals.
The match showed a strong performance by Manchester City.
The game was reported recently and is a part of the current Premier League season.
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Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden signed a new contract extension worth $49.5 million through the 2031-32 season. This makes him the highest-paid coach in Florida’s history and the second-highest paid in the SEC conference.
Key Facts
Todd Golden won the NCAA Tournament in 2025 as Florida’s head coach.
He received his third contract raise in three years.
The new deal is worth $49.5 million total, averaging $8.25 million per year.
His salary for the 2026-27 season will rise from $6 million to $7.5 million.
The contract runs through the 2031-32 season.
Golden’s buyout clause to leave for the NBA starts at $3 million and decreases over time.
Leaving for another college program would cost a higher buyout, up to $13 million.
Florida’s 2026-27 basketball season opens against Miami on Nov. 2.
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The Dallas Mavericks are considered a possible surprise team to improve in the 2026-27 NBA season. ESPN's panel ranked them tied for fourth place among teams likely to make a noticeable jump, showing some confidence in their potential progress.
Key Facts
The Dallas Mavericks tied for fourth place with the Philadelphia 76ers in ESPN's voting on teams likely to improve significantly in 2026-27.
They received 15 points in the panel vote, behind the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz who led with 46 points each.
The Washington Wizards scored 20 points, while Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Portland Trail Blazers also appeared on the list.
ESPN's panel expects teams that were near the bottom last season, including Dallas, to potentially move up in the standings.
The ranking highlights teams that might surprise fans by making big improvements, not necessarily championship favorites.
The Mavericks need to show on the court that this confidence was deserved in the coming season.
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The Indiana Pacers are expected to improve significantly in the upcoming NBA season according to ESPN's panel. The team’s optimism is based on key changes, including the return of Tyrese Haliburton from injury and a trade for Ivica Zubac.
Key Facts
ESPN ranked the Pacers tied for first place with the Utah Jazz as the team most likely to make a big improvement.
The Pacers finished near the bottom of the standings last season.
They did not have one of the top two picks in the latest NBA draft.
In February, the Pacers acquired Ivica Zubac in a trade during the trade deadline.
Tyrese Haliburton is returning after recovering from a right Achilles tendon tear.
When healthy, the Pacers beat the New York Knicks in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs.
The return of Haliburton is seen as a key factor for the team’s potential success in 2026.
ESPN’s panel now expects the Pacers to be a surprise team in the next NBA season.
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Manchester City won 4-1 against Crystal Palace in a Premier League match at Selhurst Park. Rayan Cherki scored twice and was named player of the match for his impressive skills, while Erling Haaland also scored two goals for City.
Key Facts
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1.
Rayan Cherki scored two goals and had a high player rating of 8.55.
Erling Haaland scored twice, continuing his strong record at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson made several saves but could not stop the goals.
Adam Wharton was noted for his vision and passing for Crystal Palace with a rating of 6.25.
Manchester City’s manager is Enzo Maresca, continuing a winning start in the Premier League.
The match featured strong individual performances, with detailed player ratings provided.
Several substitutions were made by both teams during the game.
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Manchester City won 4-1 against Crystal Palace in an English Premier League match, with Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki each scoring two goals. The win shows signs of progress under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Key Facts
Manchester City beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at Selhurst Park.
Erling Haaland scored two goals, including a header before halftime and a left-footed finish late in the game.
Rayan Cherki also scored twice, including a dribble and finish and a deflected shot.
Phil Foden assisted two goals for Manchester City.
Palace’s only goal came from a free kick by Yeremy Pino, recorded as an own goal against City’s goalkeeper.
Cherki was named Player of the Match and has started strong after coming off the bench in the previous game.
New manager Enzo Maresca is working with the team to improve their play after a mixed start to the season.
Teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, recently signed for a large transfer fee, made his debut for Manchester City.
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The Detroit Pistons showed progress in recent seasons but may have a tougher regular season in 2026. The team faces challenges like roster changes and contract issues but plans to focus on building a strong playoff team rather than just winning many regular-season games.
Key Facts
The Pistons have improved over the last two seasons.
The Eastern Conference is expected to be stronger, making competition harder.
Key players Isaiah Stewart and Tobias Harris are no longer on the team.
Jalen Duren’s contract situation is uncertain and affects the team’s future.
Detroit added some new players, including rookie Ebuka Okorie.
The team may experiment with different player lineups during the regular season.
The goal is to prepare the best team for the playoffs, not just focus on regular-season wins.
The Pistons want to build on their regular-season success by performing well in the playoffs.
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Jonathan Kuminga signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after spending time with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. Draymond Green expressed concerns that Kuminga’s relatively low salary might make him vulnerable to losing his starting spot if the team’s performance suffers.
Key Facts
Jonathan Kuminga played five seasons with the Golden State Warriors and was traded to the Atlanta Hawks last season.
The Hawks declined Kuminga’s $24.3 million option, making him a free agent.
Kuminga signed a two-year deal worth $12.4 million with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Draymond Green warned that Kuminga’s $6.5 million salary is like a bench player’s pay, risking him being replaced if the team struggles.
Green compared Kuminga’s situation to NFL quarterback Deshaun Watson, who kept his starting job due to a high salary.
The Timberwolves recently traded for LaMelo Ball and sent Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets.
Kuminga is expected to fill Julius Randle’s spot in the starting lineup.
Kuminga started 46 games last season with the Warriors, averaging 16.1 points per game.
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ESPN experts picked Victor Wembanyama as the favorite to win the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2026-27 season. Wembanyama helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA Finals last season and is also expected to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Key Facts
ESPN polled reporters, editors, and analysts for preseason NBA award picks.
Victor Wembanyama received 102 points, more than three times the points of the runner-up, Nikola Jokic.
Wembanyama helped the Spurs reach the NBA Finals in the previous season.
He averaged 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game last season.
Wembanyama finished third in MVP voting last season but is now the front-runner.
He must play at least 65 games to qualify for awards; he barely met this requirement last season.
Wembanyama is also the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year again.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the favorite at +200 odds to win MVP for 2026-27.
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British tennis player Katie Boulter, who recently married Australian player Alex de Minaur, says she will not wear her wedding ring during matches to avoid losing it like Andy Murray once did. Boulter is back to training ahead of the US Open, where she will face American player Carol Young Suh Lee in the first round. Four British players, including Boulter, have qualified for the US Open main draw this year.
Key Facts
Katie Boulter and Alex de Minaur married in a small ceremony in England and had a larger celebration in Italy.
Andy Murray once lost his wedding ring attached to shoe laces but found it after asking for help.
Boulter chooses not to wear her ring during matches to prevent losing it.
Boulter returned to tennis competitions in North America to prepare for the US Open.
The US Open begins on Sunday, with Boulter playing Carol Young Suh Lee in round one.
Four British players qualified for the US Open main draw: Fran Jones, Harriet Dart, Harry Wendelken, and Toby Samuel.
Other British players already in the main draws include Arthur Fery, Cameron Norrie, Jan Choinski, and Boulter herself.
Heather Watson and Jacob Fearnley lost in the final qualifying matches and will not play in the US Open main singles draw.
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was checked for a concussion after a hit during a practice with the Chicago Bears but is believed not to have one. The Titans' medical staff will keep monitoring him to make sure no concussion symptoms develop.
Key Facts
Wan'Dale Robinson was hit during a joint practice between the Titans and Bears.
The hit was described as "cheap" by Titans head coach Robert Saleh.
Robinson avoided a concussion after medical checks, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The Titans will continue to monitor Robinson for any concussion symptoms.
Robinson signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the Titans this offseason.
He previously played four seasons with the New York Giants.
Robinson caught 92 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns last season.
He is listed as one of three starting wide receivers for the Titans this season.
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Pakistan’s cricket team played a Test match in England despite a threat from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to cancel the tour over a TV interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The team and coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said they did not know about the threat and continued playing after lunch, with the match ongoing.
Key Facts
The PCB threatened to cancel the Test match and the rest of the tour if Sky Sports aired an interview with Suleiman and Kasim Khan, sons of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan is a former Pakistan cricket captain and prime minister, currently in jail on corruption charges he denies.
The interview aired during lunch on day one of the second Test at Lord’s, but the players resumed playing afterward.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s head coach, said he and the players were unaware of the PCB’s threat.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) sought advice from the UK government before continuing the match.
Pakistan’s public TV in Pakistan showed the match but not the interview.
England leads the match after two days, with a strong chance of winning the series.
England plans to tour Pakistan in October for limited-overs matches, marking one of several tours after a long break due to security issues.
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