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Orlando Magic making a move in the rankings this week

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Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero (5) looks for a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama (7) during the first half of an NBA preseason basketball game Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

This week’s NBA power rankings feature a familiar name at the top, but the story begins with the Orlando Magic. After a slow start to their 2025–26 campaign, the Magic are finally finding their rhythm. The offseason addition of Desmond Bane raised expectations, and despite ongoing health issues, the group is clicking at the right time. Once Paolo Banchero returns, Orlando could rapidly climb even higher. This week, they earn their spot at number 10.

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9. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have slid from the top three to number nine. This slump comes despite their deep roster and championship-caliber talent. The recent stretch has exposed something off within the team — whether it’s injuries, fatigue, or chemistry issues. If they figure that out before the playoffs, the Cavs could quickly return to elite form.

8. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have battled player absences nearly every game, yet they’ve managed to stay competitive. Depth was a concern before the season started, but the Knicks’ rotation has proven resilient. Their ability to stay afloat amid constant lineup shuffles puts them at number eight in this week’s rankings.

7. Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors continue to surprise the league as one of the more under-the-radar forces of the season. Without a single dominant star carrying them, they’ve built success through team play and chemistry. At 14-6 and sitting second in the Eastern Conference, they are building momentum that could make them dangerous come playoff time.

6. San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are officially back in contention. Even when Victor Wembanyama misses games, the team finds ways to win. Their revamped roster blends athleticism and creativity behind leaders like Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. This balanced approach and newfound depth earn them the number six ranking.

5. Denver Nuggets

As long as Nikola Jokic is suiting up for Denver, the Nuggets will remain legitimate contenders. Jokic continues to post MVP-level performances, while Jamal Murray is enjoying his best season in years. His confidence and rhythm have helped Denver solidify their top-five spot in this week’s rankings.

4. Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James’ return has given the Lakers a needed boost, but this is Luka Doncic’s team now. Doncic’s leadership and playmaking are redefining the Lakers’ style, bringing a more fluid and unselfish offense. The vibe around this team feels reminiscent of their last championship run — confident yet not complacent.

3. Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets might be the most cohesive team in basketball right now. After starting the season 0-2, they’ve gone 12-2, fueled by standout chemistry and smart roster construction. The addition of Kevin Durant has exceeded expectations, and the Rockets’ teamwork continues to set them apart as serious title contenders.

2. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons look like Eastern Conference favorites. Their versatility allows them to win in multiple ways — through defense, offense, or balanced execution. Sitting at 16-4 and leading the East, Detroit’s consistency makes them one of the toughest teams to beat this season.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

There’s little debate about who sits atop the NBA right now. The Oklahoma City Thunder are dominating on both ends of the floor with the league’s best defense and room to improve offensively. They currently look like the clear favorite to win the 2026 NBA Finals.





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Conference Championship Weekend is here

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college championship weekend The 2025 college football season kicks off with one of the most electrifying Week 1 slates in recent memory. With playoff contenders

Conference Championship weekend is here and it is the most decisive weekend has arrived, as the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, and Big 12 Championships take center stage. Four conference championships titles will be contested, each carrying massive implications for the College Football Playoff.

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Alabama and Georgia clash in Atlanta for SEC supremacy, Ohio State battles Indiana in Indianapolis for the Big Ten crown, Duke faces Virginia in Charlotte for the ACC title, and Texas Tech meets BYU in Arlington for the Big 12 championship. With playoff spots hanging in the balance, every snap this weekend will shape the national picture and determine which programs advance to the sport’s ultimate stage.

SEC Title Game

The 2025 SEC Championship Game features the Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2) against the Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for Saturday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. CT).

  • National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+ streaming
  • Local Coverage: WSB-TV Channel 2 Atlanta, regional ESPN Radio affiliates

Alabama enters with momentum after a dramatic Iron Bowl win, while Georgia seeks revenge for its September loss to the Tide. The winner secures the SEC’s automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State vs Indiana

For the first time, both teams enter undefeated (12-0). The Big Ten Championship Game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

  • National Broadcast: FOX, streaming via FOX Sports app
  • Local Coverage: Big Ten Network pregame, regional FOX affiliates in Ohio and Indiana

Ohio State’s elite defense faces Indiana’s high-powered offense led by QB Fernando Mendoza. The winner likely claims the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff.

ACC Championship: Duke vs Virginia

The ACC Conference Championship Game pits Virginia (10-2) against Duke (7-5) at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

  • National Broadcast: ABC, ESPN Radio
  • Local Coverage: Virginia Sports Radio Network, regional ABC affiliates in North Carolina and Virginia

Virginia dominated Duke earlier this season, but the Blue Devils, led by QB Darian Mensah, seek redemption. A Cavaliers win likely secures a College Football Playoff berth.

Big 12 Championship: Texas Tech vs BYU

The Big 12 Championship Game features Texas Tech (11-1) against BYU (11-1) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is Saturday, December 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT).

  • National Broadcast: ABC, streaming via ESPN app
  • Local Coverage: KSL-TV Utah, regional ABC affiliates in Texas

Texas Tech seeks to confirm its playoff spot, while BYU must win to secure the Big 12’s automatic bid. This rematch follows the Red Raiders’ November victory over the Cougars.

Bottom Line

Championship Weekend delivers four marquee matchups across the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. With College Football Playoff bids on the line, fans nationwide can tune in via ABC, FOX, ESPN Radio, and regional affiliates to watch history unfold.





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India wants an Olympics

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Indian Olympic Association wants the 2036 Summer Olympics.

The IOC has a problem with tensions between India and Pakistan.

India wants to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and Paralympics events but there is a significant problem. India and Pakistan hostilities resurfaced following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in late April. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the militants while Pakistan said don’t blame us. India’s government is planning to send a high-level delegation to the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland beginning on June 30th. India wants to continue talks with IOC officials in an effort to host the 2036 Games. GEO News has reported Pakistan is planning to challenge India’s bid to host the Olympics by formally objecting to the IOC, claiming that India has politicized international sporting events. The Indian Olympic Association has officially submitted a Letter of Intent to the IOC. India plans to spend around $7.5 billion on the Games if the country lands the event. India has never bid for the Olympics event. They have the largest population of any country in the world with an estimated 1.4 billion people. It is a market that the IOC probably wants to enter.

The IOC probably will not award the 2036 Games for a few years. India is just one of a number of countries that could bid for the 2036 Games. The IOC no longer wants areas to bid against one another for its crown jewel events, the Summer and Winter Olympics, with the thought that the losing bidders would be upset. The truth is many areas don’t want to put up billions in whatever currency for a money losing event. The IOC has watched bids evaporate in the United States, Europe and in Japan. There are a number of countries that might be bidding for the 2036 Summer Games and that group includes  Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Germany, South Korea, Hungary and Qatar. The race for the 2036 Games has begun.

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Evan can be reached at evan_weiner@hotmail.com





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Exclusive: Lyon’s Moussa Niakhate Eyes Senegal’s Final Squad For AFCON 2025

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Lyon’s Senegalese defender Moussa Niakhate

Olympique Lyon defender Moussa Niakhate is setting his sights firmly on securing a place in Senegal’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 18.

Senegal have yet to unveil their provisional 55-man squad, but the 29-year-old remains optimistic about earning a call-up from head coach Pape Thiaw, who succeeded Alliou Cisse earlier this year.

Speaking about his ambitions during the AFCON trophy tour in Paris, Niakhate emphasised both his personal motivation and his pride in representing Senegal on Africa’s biggest football stage.

Niakhate told Sports Talk Florida: “My personal goal is to be in Morocco, especially because the official list has not been released yet.

“God willing, I will be healthy enough to attend and compete for the people of Senegal.”

Senegal’s Group D Challenge at AFCON 2025

Senegal have been drawn in Group D, where they will open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Botswana on December 23.

They will then face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) before closing their group stage fixtures against Benin on Dececmber 30.

In anticipation of the battle ahead of the Teranga Lions, Niakhate insists the team must remain grounded.

“We all want it, and the Senegalese people want the AFCON title,” he said.

“The success in 2022 was exceptional, so we want to relive that feeling. But before anything, we have to take it one game at a time.” T

Senegal’s maiden AFCON triumph in Cameroon marked a historic moment for the country, with the team producing a remarkable campaign, going unbeaten in both the qualifiers and the main tournament.

Their victory sparked celebrations across the country and inspired a new generation of Senegalese footballers but they suffered a setback in the AFCON 2023.

After an unbeaten start to the tournament, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by host country and eventual champions Ivory Coast on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

With 2026 World Cup qualification already secured, Senegal now aim to cap off an impressive year with another deep run at this year’s continental fiesta in Morocco.

Niakhate’s form at Lyon

The 29-year-old defender joined Lyon from Nottingham Forest in 2024 and has become a leader in Paulo Fonseca’s squad with his crucial defensive performances.

Niakhate has been consistent in form, starting each of Lyon’s combined 19 matches in the French Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League so far this season.

In addition to his solid defensive displays, the centre-back has a contribution of a goal and two assists to his name in all competitions.





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