Turkey’s defense stifled Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 94-68 EuroBasket semifinal rout, and Alperen Sengun sparked a firestorm by saying Giannis isn’t a great passer and that Turkey crowded the paint to neutralize him. Giannis answered with a concise, let-my-game-do-the-talking line as he heads into season 13, while Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis called Sengun out for gloating. The Bucks–Rockets rematch on November 9 adds NBA-grade intrigue to a high-profile international showdown.

NBA probes LA Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Kawhi Leonard after reports that Aspiration paid Leonard 28M to sidestep the cap, tying Ballmer’s portfolio to a bankrupt fintech and a high-profile endorsement. The investigation also threads in Dennis Wong’s minor stake and Doc Rivers’ past ties to Aspiration, raising questions about sponsorships and cap compliance at the Intuit Dome. For fantasy managers, the case signals possible shifts in cap rules, sponsorship risk, and how off-court deals could influence rotations and earnings.

As Aspiration collapses into bankruptcy, the sport’s top owners and players face scrutiny that could reshape sponsorship strategies and leverage with teams. The developing narrative might affect Leonard’s endorsement exposure and Ballmer’s public-facing dealings, creating a landscape where fantasy projections must account for potential penalties, altered sponsorship terms, and the arena’s sustainability narrative going forward.

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.