Latest news with #MostImproved
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pacers vs. Thunder Game 5: 'A lot of us haven't been this late into the season' — Is fatigue setting in for NBA Finals foes?
OKLAHOMA CITY — You hear champions of NBA past talk about it all the time, how much playing deep into June takes out of you. Mentally, physically, emotionally. Until someone goes through it, they can never truly understand the toll. There are only a few players in this NBA Finals who've gone through the nine-month grind — even the extra days in between games only help but so much. Once the NBA went away from the 2-3-2 format in 2014, it added cross-country flights, and it added days — which adds fatigue. For Pacers forward Pascal Siakam, he was a totally different specimen by the time the 2019 NBA Finals rolled around. Advertisement 'In '19, I was probably less than 200 pounds by the time I got to the Finals,' Siakam told Yahoo Sports Sunday afternoon before Pacers practice. 'I mean I was this skinny. All the weight through the playoffs, it was so much.' Listed at 230 pounds now, he was also listed as that going into training camp when he was a third-year forward with the Toronto Raptors, in the year he won Most Improved Player and had a breakout NBA Finals series against the Golden State Warriors. But the fact he lost so much weight during the long run through the playoffs speaks to how much more prepared players have to be in order to stay upright and effective, especially when their best is required. 'Now, I'm able to take care of my body, do different things,' Siakam said. 'Because I'm just mature and I'm older too. So I'm able to really react well to all the things and media and everything, so it's a different experience. Advertisement 'It takes a toll mentally and physically, obviously. But the way I try to look at it is like, this is a blessing. This is where you want to be. So I think you try to take care of your body, obviously, but also just mentally thinking that, like, I'm blessed to be able to play at this time of the year." Siakam's 3-point shooting took a dip in every round in 2019, going down to 24% in the Finals. This year, he's at 43% overall despite going just 4 for 14 in the first four games against the Thunder. And by comparison, that 2019 series was a slog in pace compared to these two. It's not just about stamina, even though that plays a big part in it. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault admitted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was winded in Games 3 and 4 in Indianapolis, and you can see the general weariness on his face, even through the excitement and opportunity. It was one of the things he had to battle through to etch his name in Finals lore with his 15 points in the final five minutes of Game 4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander takes a breather on the court in Game 4. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) 'It's a lot of games. It's tiring, for sure,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'But every game is tiring. When you're giving your all, every possession, you're going to be tired. I don't think I'm the only one out there that is tired.' Advertisement The Thunder went to the second round last year before being upset by the Dallas Mavericks. That was the extent of their playoff experience before putting it together this time around. There's only so much preparation one can put into offseason work — you have to go through it yourself to really get it. 'It's something new. Something new for a lot of us, and a lot of us haven't been this late into the season,' Gilgeous-Alexander said. 'But I think above all, it's been very fun. It's been everything I dreamt it to be growing up. There's no other place in the world I'd rather be, and I'm grateful to be here. Thankful for the experience, for sure.' The niceties have dissipated ever-so-slightly in this series, which is tied 2-2 entering Monday's pivotal Game 5. There's still respect, and at some point there will be an acknowledgment about how special this series has been, but both teams are approaching the point of being tired of each other. Obi Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein got into a lightweight shoving match that resulted in a flagrant foul and offsetting technical fouls. And Lu Dort committed a flagrant foul later on Toppin, knocking him upside the head on a drive. It's part of the wild emotional swings that take place in every great Finals series. The feeling the Thunder had following their late collapse in Game 1 is what the Pacers felt after blowing their chance at a 3-1 lead Friday night. Advertisement 'Yeah, the emotional swings, I think I've honestly gotten better with them as time went on because we've had so many different series,' Thunder forward Jalen Williams said. 'You go to Game 1 of Denver, I've never lost that way in a series that means a lot. Even this one, the way we lost the first game.' Williams, like Siakam in 2019, is a breakout player in this series, after a shaky initial two games at home (26 points in Game 3, 27 in Game 4). His demeanor is similar to Gilgeous-Alexander's, but it's probably more of a learned behavior. The Thunder have grown up, especially in the last two months. 'There's so many ups and downs and we've constantly had that throughout this run,' Williams said. 'Then last year we had so many of those. I'm kind of numb to the ups and downs. It just kind of comes with basketball.'
NBC Sports
11-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
WNBA Futures 2025: Betting, odds, expert picks, best bets including Clark, Collier, Wilson, and More
We are almost at the 25% mark for the WNBA regular season and with injuries to Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, let's take a look at the updated race for MVP and Rookie of the Year, plus the battle between A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and more for Defensive Player of the Year. All odds are courtesy of DraftKings and subject to change. WNBA MVP Ladder: The MVP market continues to look like a runaway in favor of Napheesa Collier (-350) as Caitlin Clark (+425) remains sidelined. Collier is shooting a ridiculous 50/40/90 split this season — 52.5% from the field, 42.5% from three, and 91.7% from the free-throw line with 25.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game — all career-highs so far except for rebounds. Collier's been a brick wall on defense too with 2.3 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, which is why she is the favorite for DPOY now. Collier's MVP odds moved from -250 to -350 over the past week, while Clark dropped from +375 to +425 and A'ja Wilson to +1600 from +750. Breanna Stewart is +3500 as the next closest in terms of odds before there is a plethora of 100-to-1 options tied for fifth. WNBA DPOY Ladder: Napheesa Collier (+225) has overtaken A'ja Wilson (+250) as the slight favorite for the DPOY, but Wilson is doing everything she can to keep opponents from scoring 100 on that Aces' defense. The Aces rank 9th in defensive efficiency versus the Lynx who are 2nd. The Liberty lead the WNBA in defensive rating, steal percentage, block percentage and top three in opponent last break points per game and points in the paint. A lot of that has to do with Jonquel Jones' (+800) dominance down low. The 6-foot-6 center missed the previous game, but is listed as game-to-game, so her price shouldn't be impacted much. I am keeping my eye on her because it's starting to feel like she is the bet to make in this market. WNBA ROY Ladder: Paige Buckers (-950) hasn't played in June (5/29), but she will return Wednesday, June 11, so there was no movement worth mentioning in this race over the past week. While Kiki Irafen (+800) and Sonia Citron (+1600) remain impressive second and third options for the award — there isn't much hope either player can take home this hardware over Bueckers. Vaughn Dalzell's WNBA Futures Bets: 2 units: Stephanie White to win Coach of the Year (+115) 2 units: Minnesota Lynx to win Championship (+340) 2 units: A'ja Wilson to win MVP (+225) 2 units: Napheesa Collier to win MVP (+150) 0.5 unit: Napheesa Collier to win MVP (+300) 0.5 unit: Angel Reese to win DPOY (+2000) 0.5 unit: Aliyah Boston to win DPOY (+3500) 0.5 unit: Kamila Cardoso to win DPOY (+5500) 0.5 unit: Aliyah Boston to win Most Improved Player (+1500) 0.5 unit: Kamila Cardoso to win Most Improved Player (+3000) Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: - Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) - Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) - Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) - Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
Indianapolis Star
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Fever vs. Dream updates: Predictions, time, where to watch\u00a0today, 6/10/25
The makeshift Indiana Fever seek their third straight win tonight when they visit the Atlanta Dream. Indiana (4-4) is still without Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham because of injuries, but Kelsey Mitchell earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors, averaging 20.5 points in a pair of wins. The Dream (5-3) own the third most-potent offense in the WNBA (84.6 points per game), and they lead the league in rebounding (37.6). This is their third meeting already. They played consecutive games in the first week of the season, and the road team won each. Chloe Peterson is your best Fever follow, and sign up for our Caitlin Clark Fever newsletter. We will have score updates and highlights throughout, so please remember to refresh. 7:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Gateway Arena at College Park in Atlanta. Chloe Peterson, IndyStar: Dream 82-76 "This game really could go either way, but with the continuing injury rehabs for Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, the Dream have the edge. "The Dream have been one of the most surprising teams of the young season, surpassing expectations with a 5-3 record. "Head coach Karl Smesko, even with a two-big tandem of Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones, has been successful with his five-out system. Allisha Gray is emerging as an early Most Improved Player candidate, winning Eastern Conference Player of the Month for May and averaging 20.1 points per game. The Dream have four players averaging double figures, including Griner, Jones, and Rhyne Howard. "The Fever have improved in these past two games, including a 27-point win over the Sky. But I think they'll run into problems the Dream's physicality and height." Fever: Caitlin Clark (quad) and Sophie Cunningham (knee) are out. Dream: None. In four games this season, Caitlin Clark averaged 19.0 points, 9.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 steals, making 31.4% of her 3-pointers. Buy IndyStar's book celebrating Caitlin Clark's rookie season TV: MeTV, ESPN3, WNBA League Pass, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play), Debbie Antonelli (analyst) and Kelsie Kasper (sideline reporting) Watch Fever games with a free Fubo trial Radio: 93.5 and 107.5 FM in Indianapolis, with John Nolan (play-by-play) and Bria Goss (analysis). via BetMGM Favorite: Dream by 4.5 points Over/under: 164.5 total points Moneyline: Fever+150, Dream -185 ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Dream a 60.7% chance of winning. Fever-Dream tickets start at $104 on StubHub (Season averages)
Newsweek
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky: Live Stream WNBA, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Indiana Fever (3-4) look to get back to .500 on Saturday night when they head to the Windy City to take on the Chicago Sky (2-4). Indiana will once again be without the injured Caitlin Clark. Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Indiana Fever during the first quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Indiana Fever during the first quarter in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, to Watch Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025 Time: 8:00 PM EDT Channel: CBS Stream: Fubo (Try for free) With Clark out, the Fever leaned heavily on Kelsey Mitchell last time out as she led the way with 24 points in a win over the Washington Mystics. Meanwhile, Lexie Hull continues to step up and is making an early case for Most Improved Player. She finished the win over Washington with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Indiana's win on Tuesday broke a three-game losing streak for the Fever, which has struggled a bit with Clark out of the lineup. As for Chicago, the Sky haven't taken much of a leap forward this year despite trading the No. 3 pick to the Mystics in a win-now move to acquire Ariel Atkins. However, Chicago has won two in a row, so maybe things are turning around, or maybe Chicago just got lucky to play back-to-back games against a struggling Dallas Wings team, winning once with Paige Bueckers in the lineup and once with her sidelined by a concussion. Looking to watch the WNBA in 2025? You can catch all the nationally televised games with Fubo, where you can watch games on ABC, ESPN, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ION, and NBA TV. Live stream the Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky game on Fubo: Start your free trial now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pascal Siakam net worth: How much is the 31-year-old basketball player from Cameroon worth?
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) reacts during the third quarter of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference final against the New York Knicks, Friday, May 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Pascal Siakam isn't just a name NBA fans recognize—he's a full-blown success story. From a quiet town in Cameroon to the bright lights of the NBA, Siakam has not only made a name for himself on the court but also built serious wealth along the way. So, just how much is this 31-year-old basketball star worth in 2025? Siakam was born on April 2, 1994, in Douala, Cameroon. Funny enough, basketball wasn't always part of the plan—he was actually on track to become a priest. But fate had other ideas. His talent was spotted at a Basketball Without Borders camp, and before long, he was on a plane to the U.S. chasing hoops instead of hymns. He played college basketball at New Mexico State University, and in 2016, his NBA dream became reality when the Toronto Raptors picked him 27th overall in the draft. That was just the beginning. Fast-forward to 2019, and Siakam exploded onto the scene during the Raptors' legendary championship run. He was clutch when it mattered most and earned the NBA's Most Improved Player award that year. That breakout performance didn't just win him trophies it secured the bag. In 2019, Siakam signed a four-year extension with the Raptors worth $136.9 million. Talk about leveling up. But the big money came even later. In 2024, Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers, and the new chapter came with a new paycheck. He signed a four-year, $188.95 million max contract that's fully guaranteed. That's right—no funny business with partial deals. Reports say, his salary now ranges between $42 million to over $52 million a year, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league today. So, what's Pascal Siakam's estimated net worth in 2025? While exact figures can vary based on endorsements, investments, and expenses, multiple outlets estimate his net worth to be between $70 million and $90 million—and growing fast. Considering his consistent performance and solid contract, this number will likely keep climbing. But it's not just about the money for Siakam. In 2021, he launched the PS43 Foundation, named after his jersey number. The foundation focuses on providing educational opportunities for underprivileged kids, especially back in Cameroon. From building schools to offering scholarships, Siakam is all about giving back and making sure kids from where he came from have a shot at something bigger. He's also become a fan favorite for his energy, positive attitude, and hustle on the court. Whether he's spinning into the paint or dropping a clutch three, Siakam plays with heart, and fans love him for it.
