Luka Doncic exploded for 42 points to power Slovenia past Italy 84-77 in the EuroBasket 2025 Round of 16, stamping out the upset trend and sending Slovenia toward a date with Germany in the quarterfinals. He opened with 22 points in the first quarter, then capped the win with key late free throws and a defensive board. The performance underscored Doncic’s monstrous fantasy upside: heavy scoring, solid rebounds, and steals, all in just 33 minutes.

Slovenia’s surge is a reminder that Doncic fantasy teams should treat EuroBasket like a high-usage, multi-category tournament, with Markkanen providing a major secondary axis given his 40-point historical benchmarks, and Fontecchio offering occasional late-game value. Germany looms in the next test, meaning Doncic’s minutes and role should stay sky-high as Slovenia chases a deep run.

Miami heats up for training camp with Erik Spoelstra embracing competition as the path to growth after a tough season. Battle lines form across wings, guards and the frontcourt: Jaime Jaquez Jr. vs Pelle Larsson for the 8th/9th spot, Kel’el Ware vs Nikola Jovic at center, and Tyler Herro vs Davion Mitchell for the point-guard adjacencies. Simone Fontecchio and Duncan Robinson vie for time as outside threats, while Dru Smith and Haywood Highsmith chase secure roles.

Off the floor, Pat Riley and Micky Arison offered a rare window into the franchise’s mindset: development and depth matter, but the pursuit of competitive rotation remains front and center even as the fan base debates clutch-time fit and social-media noise.

Miami Heat’s off-season additions Norman Powell and Simone Fontecchio are already turning heads on the global stage, hinting at how their skill sets could translate to the NBA lineup as training camp nears. Powell erupted for 34 points for Jamaica, shooting 5-of-9 from deep and landing at 53% FG, a performance that underscores his scoring punch and efficiency after the team moved on from Jimmy Butler. Fontecchio answered with 21 points for Italy, hitting 3-of-5 from three and also shooting 53% overall, illustrating the spacing and shooting gravity he brings to the floor. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about how this international form could anchor a more versatile Heat rotation.

As Miami weighs roster decisions and potential cuts, the early returns from Powell and Fontecchio add serious weight to the narrative that the Heat are betting on depth, shooting, and floor-spacers who can thrive in high-pace, difficult-matchups. The season looms, and these two newcomers are signaling they’re not just fit-ins but potential linchpins in a post-Butler era, capable of lifting the team’s offense and keeping pace with elite Eastern Conference contenders.