Luka Doncic surged with 39 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, but Slovenia fell 103-95 to France as France's deep bench piled up 78 points to Slovenia's 26. Doncic hit 19 of 20 free throws, yet the onslaught from France’ bench and France’s 2-0 run in Group D left Slovenia 0-2. Poland’s Jordan Loyd poured 27 to edge Israel 66-64, while Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 39 in an 84-80 win over Latvia, cementing a knockout-berth with Serbia 3-0.

Other standouts: Sengun’s 20 by halftime powered Turkey’s 95-54 win; Markkanen posted 26 for Finland as they clinched playoff access; Germany’s Schröder (26) and Theis (23) helped Germany go 3-0; Greece’s Dorsey and Mitoglou each had 18. Spain’s Aldama led the defending champs as groups race toward Riga’s knockout stage.

Dennis Schroder poured in 26 as Germany beat Lithuania 107-88 at EuroBasket, pushing their group record to 3-0. Two perpetrators were ejected after racist noises aimed at him. Schroder voiced that monkey noises have no place in sport, and interim coach Alan Ibrahimagic stressed that such conduct cannot be tolerated as the team pressed on.

Schroder’s NBA value remains relevant as he balances EuroBasket duties with his Sacramento Kings role. The win showcased Germany’s depth beyond its star and underscored the resilience of a squad navigating an emotional incident while pursuing a deep tournament run.

Fantasy watchers should note Schroder’s continued scoring punch and the team’s depth, which could translate into steady fantasy value if his tournament form carries over into the NBA schedule.

EuroBasket 2025 kicks off Aug 27 and runs through Sept 14, spotlighting Jokic-led Serbia, skin-on-fire Doncic as Slovenia eyes glory, and Giannis steering Greece. Porzingis, Sengun, Markkanen and Wagner are among NBA stars carrying heavy fantasy weight as Europe hosts group play in Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Poland. 18 NBA teams feature players, and the tournament doubles as a high-variance mini-stage for fantasy managers chasing breakout performances and late-season form.

Key names to watch include Jokic's playmaking surge for Serbia, Doncic's elite athleticism return after knee concerns, Porzingis' 3-point floor-spreading impact, Sengun's breakout potential as Houston's hub, and Markkanen's rejuvenated efficiency. Franz Wagner and Deni Avdija offer versatile wings for Germany and Israel, while Vucevic, Aldama and Middleton provide veteran floor presence and potential value upside as the field narrows toward knockout rounds.

Nine-figure athleticism meets a floor boss. Jokic shocked fans in Serbia warm-ups with a reverse dunk that defied his reputation for being less about bursts and more about base-level craft. The moment, captured ahead of Serbia vs Germany, highlighted a different gear he can access when he’s playing for his country.

In the friendly, Jokic was a facilitator first, posting 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists as Serbia edged Germany 91-81, while Nikola Jovic carried the scoring load with 22. The contrast between Jokic’s international energy and his NBA persona sparked a flurry of social chatter about conditioning, motivation, and what this could mean for the Nuggets this season.

Denver’s offseason moves have Nuggets fans feeling like a title run is within reach, and Jokic’s international spark adds a data point that suggests a refreshed, perhaps more dynamic approach could surface in the NBA. The piece contends Jokic’s energy abroad may reflect a renewed commitment to durability and pace when he returns to Denver.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is nuanced: Jokic’s international surge hints at a higher gear when needed, but his core value remains a steady floor of points, rebounds, assists, and playmaking. If he carries that energy back to Denver, his season outlook could blend efficiency with durability, shaping the fantasy landscape in subtle, meaningful ways.

Alperen Sengun dominated in a EuroBasket prep clash for Turkey, finishing with 25 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in under 32 minutes as Germany pushed Turkey to a two-point loss in Munich. Kevin Durant, watching from Houston, responded to a clip of Sengun’s fluid big-man move with a single word: Different. The moment underscored Sengun’s rare blend of size, vision and acceleration in space, a blend Durant intends to help optimize once Rockets training camp opens for 2025-26. Sengun’s elite résumé in Europe translates into a tantalizing fantasy proposition in a Rockets system that may lean on his handling, scoring and playmaking.

Durant’s praise signals a mentorship arc that could unlock more usage for Sengun in Houston, especially as the frontcourt centerpiece and playmaking hub. While EuroBasket form doesn’t guarantee NBA stats, the combination of Sengun’s on-ball artistry and Durant’s guidance could raise his ceiling, making him a coveted target in dynasty leagues and an intriguing late-draft bet in redrafts who can contribute across points, assists and efficient shooting.