Bilal Coulibaly underwent surgery on a right-thumb ligament, a move that likely sidelines him at the start of the 2025-26 season. The 21-year-old No. 7 pick averaged 6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in Eurobasket, flashing development after a breakout sophomore year (12.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG). Washington’s brightest young core—Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Will Riley—now faces an early-season rise in responsibility, joined by Cam Whitmore and other first‑round hopefuls. Veteran help from CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, plus a reshaped rotation after Poole’s move to New Orleans, keeps playoff odds distant ( +3000 ) but not impossible if the youth flourishes.

The Wizards’ 2023-24 and 2024-25 narratives converge: minimal recent wins, a hopeful pipeline, and a front office embracing youth with a veteran bridge. The injury compounds uncertainty around opening-night lineups, tempo, and scoring balance, but it also sets up late-season momentum if Coulibaly returns healthy and the rookies hit their marks. The margin remains thin, but the path to relevance for Washington stays open with the right development arc.

Charlotte Hornets remove a Sports Betting theme night from their 2025-26 calendar, ahead of a March 17 visit by Rozier and the Miami Heat. Rozier’s name appears in a federal gambling probe tied to a 2023 game; no charges have been filed and he is not accused of wrongdoing. March 17 is also Rozier’s birthday, adding timing context.

The Southwest division is rebooting fast, with Dallas, Houston and San Antonio rolling out high-upside rosters and veterans like Durant and Russell anchoring new supergroups. Wembanyama leads San Antonio’s youth movement while Durant teams with Houston’s scorers; Flagg fuels Dallas’ rebuild, and Memphis and New Orleans address wing depth and scoring via bold trades. The league’s most unpredictable, but most exciting, race in years starts with a roster reshuffle that could redefine fantasy upside across the West.

Early-season matchups will test how quickly these teams gel: Flagg’s debut in Dallas, Durant’s impact in Houston, and Wembanyama’s rookie-era ceiling in San Antonio will shape the fantasy pace. Poole, Poole’s move to New Orleans, and the Suns’ backcourt reshuffle add more moving parts for daily leagues. Expect elevated expectations and aggressive waiver adds as divisions tilt toward a new competitive equilibrium.