EuroBasket final pits Türkiye's Alperen Sengun against Germany's Franz Wagner, signaling a shift to a younger, deeper guard-forward era.

Sengun averages 20.8 PPG, 11 REB, 7 AST; Wagner 21.1 PPG, 5.6 REB; Schroder 20.9 PPG, 6.6 APG as Germany's veteran floor general. Türkiye and Germany enter final 8-0, with big margins.

Watch Sunday Sept. 14, 2:00 PM ET from Riga via Courtside 1891 or DAZN.

Alperen Şengün powered Turkey to a EuroBasket final with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in a 94-68 win over Greece, turning a slow start into a defining performance with wraparound passes and rim dives that unlocked teammates, while Turkey’s defense forced turnovers and built an early double-digit lead that Greece never recovered.

Turkey faces Germany in the Riga final, a clash that pits Şengün’s high-post playmaking against Germany’s NBA duo of Schröder and Wagner as Turkey chases its first EuroBasket crown since 2001. The result could echo into the NBA season, with Şengün’s EuroBasket surge boosting his fantasy and real-world value.

Alperen Sengun dominates EuroBasket as Turkey advances to the semifinals, a spark Rockets coach Ime Udoka expected and coached toward this summer. Sengun averages 21.6 points on 59.6% FG, 10.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists, adding pivotal defensive plays and a historic triple-double versus Poland. Turkey faces Greece next, while Durant’s message to use him where needed adds another fantasy-forward angle. Rafael Stone voiced pride in Sengun’s form, hinting at continued momentum back in Houston.

Fantasy takeaway: Sengun’s two-way impact, usage, and defensive versatility signal multi-cat upside entering Houston’s season, even as role nuances evolve. The EuroBasket run suggests pro-level efficiency and high assist ceilings, making Sengun a compelling late-round target and a potential weekly difference-maker for fantasy managers.

Ime Udoka outlined a plan to weave Kevin Durant into Houston's offense at the upcoming coaches retreat, emphasizing a seamless fit rather than a spotlight hog. Durant’s presence should elevate efficiency and open looks for the Rockets’ young core, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun likely anchoring the starting group alongside Durant, while Jabari Smith Jr. competes for the fifth spot during camp.

Durant’s track record of high efficiency and late-game decision-making should lift the Rockets’ half-court execution, historically a weakness. Udoka and Royal Ivey’s Brooklyn ties to Durant hint at a similar, ball-sharing approach that still leverages Durant to close games, while precamp drills in late September will determine exact lineups and roles.

The trade that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix clears the deck for Durant to blend with Houston’s core, with Durant drawing attention that should free up shooters and cutters. The mix of Durant’s IQ and the Rockets’ length and scoring depth sets up a potentially more efficient and versatile offense this season.

Houston signals a shift toward depth and flexibility as Capela signs on behind Sengun and Adams. Sengun’s move to power forward last season fueled a successful double-big look with Adams, and Capela’s arrival gives Houston a veteran rebounder and rim protector to backstop the lineup. The plan hinges on Sengun’s continued floor-spacing improvement and Udoka’s emphasis on defense and physicality, with Adams’ workload likely to be managed down the stretch.

Capela’s return reopens a dynamic center rotation that could be even more versatile than the previous season, potentially letting Houston deploy two bigs at once while preserving rest for the playoff push. The duo’s presence also elevates the Rockets’ rebounding and interior defense while offering insurance against injuries, setting the stage for a playoff-contending, strategically flexible squad.