Jake Paul, on a promotional swing for his exhibition fight against Gervonta Davis, has found time to exchange verbal shots with Ryan Garcia.

Garcia fired first, last and hardest.

On Sept. 23, Garcia ripped Paul for Paul’s handling of the weight discrepancy between Paul and Davis. Paul weighed in at almost 200 pounds for his last fight and Davis weighed in at less than 135 pounds for his last fight.

“It’s really sad to see how dishonest he is,’’ Garcia wrote of Paul. “You are 200 pounds plus, you’ll make the 195 pound limit then shoot to 215 most likely. And you lie to yourself to hype yourself up, you are fighting a 135 pound fighter, but you don’t see how that is a bit misleading. Lying to yourself sucks.’’

“This just proves that the new blueprint is get popular be a decent fighter,’’ Garcia added. “Pick fights to win that gives you advantage and continue to rack in money. Integrity of the sport is getting ruined everyday.’’

Belatedly, Paul has fired back.

Paul, in an interview that appeared to be taped Sept. 22 in New York, responded.

“I think he’s just mad that I’m going to get an opportunity to beat Tank,’ Paul said. ‘And he obviously got knocked out and embarrassed (in Garcia’s loss to Davis in 2023), so his insecurities are coming out.”

By Week 3, the league’s weakest defenses have been established. The Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins have all had trouble stopping their opponents, so fantasy managers can use that knowledge when assessing their matchup-based streamers.

Fantasy managers have also learned some key surprising lessons during the early stages of the 2025 NFL season. The Indianapolis Colts have one of the league’s most efficient offenses, the Cleveland Browns defense has actually been effective at stopping the run and the Carolina Panthers have been tougher than expected against quarterbacks.

Will those trends hold up? It’s hard to say for sure, but as long as they do, fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to fantasy contributors in trickier-than-expected matchups.

What should fantasy football afficionados do at each lineup position heading into Week 4? USA TODAY Sports outlines 16 players to start or sit in your fantasy matchups this week.

Fantasy football players to start in Week 4

Quarterbacks

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (at Dallas Cowboys)

The Cowboys have allowed the most fantasy points per game (FPPG) to opposing quarterbacks through three weeks. Love should be able to pass well on a team that has allowed a league-worst 900 passing yards to quarterbacks, so expect him to bounce back after a disappointing Week 3 showing against the Browns.

Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Chicago Bears)

The Bears are another leaky pass defense – they have surrendered a league-high eight passing touchdowns to quarterbacks – and Chicago remains without its top cornerback, Jaylon Johnson, because of a groin injury. That should create an opportunity for Smith to build upon the 289 passing yards and three touchdowns he logged in Week 3 against the Commanders.

Running backs

J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

Dobbins has entrenched himself as the Broncos’ starter in front of RJ Harvey and has out-touched the rookie 45-18 through Week 3. That should position Dobbins to take advantage of a Bengals defense that Jordan Mason just gashed for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries.

Nick Chubb, Houston Texans (vs. Tennessee Titans)

Chubb hasn’t found a lot of running room behind Houston’s shaky offensive line, but he should have a good chance to score in Week 4 against Tennessee. The Titans have allowed a league-high five rushing touchdowns to running backs while allowing the third-most points per game league-wide (31.3).

Wide receivers

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders (vs. Chicago Bears)

Tucker is fresh off an eight-catch, 145-yard, three-touchdown outing against the Commanders. Now, he gets to face a Bears defense that has allowed the second-most FPPG to wide receivers this season. Tucker has been targeted 17 times by Smith over the last two weeks, so he should see the volume needed to emerge as a quality flex play.

Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (at New York Giants)

Allen has been as steady as they come in his return to the Chargers, logging at least 61 yards and a touchdown in each of his three games thus far. Justin Herbert should continue to look his way often against a Giants defense that has surrendered the second-most passing yards to wide receivers (587) in 2025.

Tight end

Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (vs. Washington Commanders)

Pitts has been a steady target for Michael Penix Jr. to open the season. He is averaging 6.3 targets per game and has posted at least four catches and 37 yards in each of Atlanta’s first three games. The Commanders have allowed the fourth-most yards to tight ends this season (213) so Pitts should be in for another solid showing.

Defense/special teams:

Denver Broncos (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

We all saw what the Minnesota Vikings did to the Joe Burrow-less Bengals in Week 3. The Broncos – who sport a pressure rate of 50.4%, good for second in the NFL – figure to get after Jake Browning frequently and force him into negative plays. That could allow them to rise to the ranks of a top-five defensive unit in Week 4.

Fantasy football players to sit in Week 4

Quarterbacks

Drake Maye, New England Patriots (vs. Carolina Panthers)

The Panthers may seem like a good matchup, but they have allowed a league-low two total touchdowns to quarterbacks through three weeks. Maye might still be able to rack up some passing yards, but if any of New England’s running backs get going, they may eat into the quarterback’s overall production.

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

The Seahawks have allowed the sixth-fewest FPPG to fantasy quarterbacks through three weeks. Murray has run for at least 32 yards in all three of his games, but he has only logged a single touchdown in back-to-back weeks. He remains a high-floor, low-ceiling option at quarterback, so it’s hard to trust him against a defense allowing just 15.7 points per game, second fewest in the NFL.

Running backs

David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (vs. Cleveland Browns)

The Browns have been excellent against the run so far in 2025. They have allowed a league-low 127 rushing yards to running backs this season on an impressive 2.2 yards per carry average. That may prevent Montgomery, who is splitting carries with Jahmyr Gibbs and isn’t as elusive as his younger counterpart, from getting the yardage necessary to be anything more than a touchdown-dependent flex.

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants (vs. Los Angeles Chargers)

The good news? Skattebo broke out on ‘Sunday Night Football’ in Week 3, racking up 121 total yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The bad news? The talented rookie is set to play a Chargers defense that has allowed the third-fewest FPPG to running backs in Week 4.

Could Skattebo get the volume needed to emerge as a quality flex play or low-end RB2? Sure, especially with Tyrone Tracy Jr. out because of a separated shoulder. Still, it’s hard to trust the Giants’ shaky offense, so Skattebo comes with more risk than some of the week’s other flex-level talents.

Wide receivers

Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars (at San Francisco 49ers)

Hunter has seen his target share decrease each week and was limited to just one catch for 21 yards last week. He hasn’t yet topped 33 receiving yards in a game this season, so it’s hard to recommend trusting him against a 49ers defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest FPPG to receivers this season.

Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Diggs had six catches for 57 yards in his Patriots debut but has racked up just seven catches for 55 yards in two games since. The Panthers have performed well against receivers this year while having more issues against tight ends and running backs. Maye might look more in the direction of Hunter Henry and TreVeyon Henderson as a result, making Diggs a questionable flex play at best.

Tight end

Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints (at Buffalo Bills)

Johnson has been a revelation to start the season, but it’s hard to trust him against a Bills team that has allowed just five receptions to tight ends through three weeks. Add in that Spencer Rattler is making another tough road start and this may be a spot in which to fade Johnson, though he could be in line for some garbage-time opportunities.

Defense/special teams:

Los Angeles Rams (vs. Indianapolis Colts)

The Colts are one of three NFL teams to not commit a turnover during the first three weeks of the season, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. That – plus Daniel Jones’ 2.69-second time to throw, eighth fastest among NFL quarterbacks – will prevent the Rams from making the big plays needed to be anything more than a middling stream.

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Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon said four-time All-Star A’ja Wilson “doesn’t normally like two stinkers in a row” following the Aces’s semifinal loss to the Indiana Fever in Game 1 on Sunday. 

Hammon didn’t lie. 

The No. 2 seed Aces blew out the No. 6 seed Fever 90-68 in Game 2 on Tuesday at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas to even the best-of-five semifinal series behind a dominant offensive and defensive performance from Wilson, who finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, five steals (a playoff career high) and two blocks in 33 minutes. 

The Aces improve to 11-0 in the postseason when Wilson scores 25 or more points. She’s the fourth player in WNBA playoff history with 25 or more points and five or more steals in a game.

‘Got it back tonight, but we were angry with ourselves (after Game 1)… for not playing Aces basketball,’ said Chelsea Gray, who had 10 assists and three steals, in addition to six points. ‘Defensively we were just engaged from the start of the game.’

Hammon challenged the rest of her team to ‘give (Wilson) support’ and the Aces responded. Coming off a four-point performance in Game 1, forward NaLyssa Smith turned up the aggression and scored 18 points, a career playoff high, and grabbed seven rebounds. Jackie Young added 10 points, four assists and three rebounds and the Aces bench contributed 24 points, led by 10 from Jewell Loyd and Dana Evans. The Aces shot 53.8% from the field and 41.7% from 3.

Kelsey Mitchell had an off night and was held to 13 points, shooting 4-of-13 from the field and 1-of-6 from 3. Odyssey Sims had a team-high 16 points, while Aliyah Boston finished with a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double. Lexie Hull finished with 15 points and the bench contributed six points.

The semifinal series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Here’s everything you need to know about Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces:

End of Q3: Aces 70, Fever 52

Have yourself a night, NaLyssa Smith.

The Las Vegas forward is up to 16 points (a playoff career high), six rebounds, one steal and one assist on Tuesday against the Indiana Fever, the team that drafted Smith second overall in the 2022.

‘It’s playoffs. It’s the will to win. It’s not the first to win one game, it’s the first to win a series. We campout here with different energy,’ said Smith, who played through four fouls. ‘They tell me I need me so I do what I got to do to help this team out.’

The Aces outscored the Fever 24-17 in the third quarter and led by as many as 22 points.

A’ja Wilson has a game-high 21 points and is one rebound short of a double-double with nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks, while Jackie Young is up to 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.

Kelsey Mitchell scored a playoff career high 34 points in the Fever’s Game 1 win, but the All-Star guard has been held in check Tuesday and has been limited to 13 points, shooting 4-of-13 from the field and 1-of-6 from 3. The Fever struggled to get going offensively in the third quarter as a whole, missing nine straight shots in the frame.

The Fever only have three bench points, while the Aces have 17.

Halftime: Aces 46, Fever 35

The Aces led by as many as 18 points in the first half, but the Fever went on a 11-0 run in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 11 points at halftime.

Aces center A’ja Wilson has a team-high 13 points, four rebounds and two steals. NaLyssa Smith added 10 points, shooting 5-of-6 from the field after being held to four points in Game 1. Jackie Young recorded 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.

Kelsey Mitchell (3-of-8 FG, 1-of-5 3PT) and Lexie Hull (3-of-10 FG, 3-of-6 3PT) each have nine points for the Fever.

The Aces shot 55.9% from the field and 3-of-5 from the 3-point line, while the Fever shot 40% from the field and 5-of-13 from 3. The Aces were 5-of-5 from the free throw line, while the Fever were 2-of-2.

The Fever have an advantage on the boards with 18 rebounds (eight offensive), compared to 14 for the Aces, while Las Vegas is dominating the paint 26-16.

What time is Fever vs. Aces Game 2?

Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals series between the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces and No. 6 seed Indiana Fever is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local) on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

How to watch Fever vs. Aces WNBA playoffs: TV, stream for Game 2

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
Location: Michelob ULTRA Arena (Las Vegas)
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

Stream Fever-Aces series on Fubo (free trial)

Aces sharing the ball

After having 12 assists and 12 turnovers in Game 1, the Las Vegas Aces already have nine assists in Game 2 with a little more than seven minutes to go in the half.

First quarter: Aces 26, Fever 17

For the first time in the 2025 WNBA playoffs, the Fever are trailing after the first quarter.

The Aces have picked up their defensive intensity, forcing six Fever turnovers that have lead to eight points.

‘We can still play up-tempo, but we have to be under control a little more,’ Kelsey Mitchell, who had four points for the Fever in the first quarter, said. ‘We just have to take what they give us.’

A’ja Wilson has 11 points and three rebounds to lead Las Vegas. Jewell Loyd has five points off the bench.

Fever-Aces off to a fast start

It was a track meet in the first five minutes, as the Indiana Fever tried to set a fast pace. Lexie Hull, who was listed as questionable, started the scoring with a 3-pointer for the Fever. Teammate Aliyah Boston has four rebounds.

NaLyssa Smith has four points for the Las Vegas Aces.

Indiana Fever starting lineup

Head coach: Stephanie White

0 Kelsey Mitchell | G 5′ 8′ – Ohio State
1 Odyssey Sims | G 5′ 8′ – Baylor
6 Natasha Howard | F 6′ 3′ – Florida State
7 Aliyah Boston | C 6′ 5′ – South Carolina
10 Lexie Hull | G 6′ 1′ – Stanford

Lexie Hull will play in Game 2

Hull popped up on the Fever’s injury report on Tuesday due to back soreness, but is good to go for Game 2. She was listed among Indiana’s starting five ahead of tipoff.

Fever injury report: Lexie Hull questionable

Fever guard Lexie Hull (back) was listed as questionable on Tuesday’s injury report. Earlier Tuesday, Hull admitted after shoot-around that she’s ‘a little sore. I’m not going to lie.’ Hull added, ‘It’s catching up to me. We’re just going to keep getting warm and keep going out there and try to forget about the pain … but that’s everyone. Every one is playing with bumps and bruises.’ Hull is averaging 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game this season. 

Chloe Bibby (left knee), Caitlin Clark (right groin), Sydney Colson (left knee), Sophie Cunningham (right knee), Damiris Dantas (concussion protocol) and Aari McDonald (right foot) have all been ruled out for Game 2.

Las Vegas Aces starting lineup

Head coach: Becky Hammon

0 Jackie Young | G 6′ 0′ – Notre Dame
1 Kierstan Bell | F 6′ 1′ – Florida Gulf Coast
3 NaLyssa Smith | F 6′ 4′ – Baylor
12 Chelsea Gray | G 5′ 11′ – Duke
22 A’ja Wilson | C 6′ 5′ – South Carolina

Kelsey Mitchell has been carrying the Indiana Fever — it’s time everyone noticed

In a tumultuous season defined by injuries and resilience, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has remained a constant.

Mitchell has, in fact, been a constant for the Fever organization ever since she was drafted No. 2 overall out of Ohio State in 2018. She’s endured ups and downs during her eight-year career in Indiana, including six losing seasons and five different head coaches, enough turmoil to send any top pick packing.

But Mitchell never bailed and the 29-year-old is now leading the Fever’s improbable postseason charge.

‘There have been multiple times this season where (Mitchell) has put us on her back and she’s carried us,’ Indiana head coach Stephanie White said on Sunday after the Fever upset the Las Vegas Aces 89-73 to steal Game 1 of the WNBA playoff semifinals behind Mitchell’s 34-point performance. Full story here.

Are Caitlin Clark’s Air Force 1s the key to Indiana Fever’s playoff success?

Caitlin Clark may not be able to play for the Indiana Fever, but she’s clearly trying to influence her teammates with her shoe game. The All-Star guard, who is out with a right groin injury, has worn black Nike Air Force 1 sneakers for the last three games of the playoffs. The Fever’s record in those three games: 3-0.

It started when the Fever were down 1-0 in their best-of-3 first-round series to the Atlanta Dream. She walked out on the court with the shoes, which exude toughness, and got a big reaction from teammates.

‘I fear you, you mean business,’ Fever All-Star center Aliyah Boston joked before Game 2. ‘Black Forces?! Them (refs) better watch out.’ Read full story here.

A’ja Wilson named 2025 WNBA MVP for record fourth time

A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season. She is the first four-time MVP, besting three-time winners Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. 

WNBA MVP voting results

A’ja Wilson received 51 of 72 first-place votes and 21 second-place votes (657 points) from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The Las Vegas Aces center won the award over finalists Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (534),  Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (391), Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (180) and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (93).

Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson stats

Wilson averaged a league-leading 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists (ties her career-high), a league-leading 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals in 40 games this season. Wilson averaged 29.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the Aces’ first-round playoff series against the Seattle Storm, including a 38-point performance in Game 3, tying her playoff career high. However, she was held to 16 points in the Aces’ Game 1 loss to the Fever, shooting a dismal 27.2% from the field. 

A’ja Wilson named Co-Defensive Player of the Year

For the third time in four seasons, Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. But this time there is a twist. Wilson will share the award with Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith, the WNBA announced Thursday.

WNBA playoffs 2025: Aces vs. Fever scores, results and schedule

All times Eastern; *-if necessary

Fever lead series 1-0

Game 1: Fever 89, Aces 73
Game 2, Tuesday: Fever at Aces, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3, Friday: Aces at Fever, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game 4, Sunday: Aces at Fever, 3 p.m. ET on Sunday (ABC)
Game 5, Tuesday, Sept. 30: Fever at Aces, TBD*

Indiana Fever roster

Las Vegas Aces roster

2025 WNBA Finals schedule

*if necessary

WNBA champions by year

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The Minnesota Lynx entered Tuesday’s Game 2 matchup with a perfect 10-0 record against the Phoenix Mercury in WNBA playoff games at Minneapolis’ Target Center.

The Mercury snapped that streak with a comeback for the ages.

The No. 4 seed Mercury clawed back from a 20-point deficit to beat the No. 1 seed Lynx, 89-83, in overtime. It tied the third largest comeback in WNBA playoff history to even up the best-of-five series at one. The WNBA semifinal series shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 on Friday. 

‘When we play like that we can do anything,’ said Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas, who finished with 18 points, 13 assists (playoff franchise record) and eight rebounds. ‘I’m just super proud we didn’t give up today.’

The Mercury outscored the Lynx 47-31 in the second half to erase Minnesota’s double-digit lead. Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb drained a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining to tie the game and send it to overtime. The shot was made possible by an offensive rebound from Thomas.

‘Credit to (Alyssa Thomas). I took a terrible shot before that and she got the rebound,’ said Whitcomb, who had 13 points, six assists and two steals off the bench. ‘We all trust each other to take those shots, so I’m blessed they trusted me with that.’

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier had a shot to win the game on her 29th birthday, but missed a potential game-winning jumper as time expired. The Mercury went on to outscore the Lynx 10-4 in overtime to secure the vcitory. The Mercury avoided falling into a 0-2 deficit, which no team in WNBA history has recovered from in a best-of-five series. 

Watch Lynx-Mercury series with Fubo

Collier finished 24 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks and one assist. Kayla McBride added 21 points, while Courtney Williams had 20 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Minnesota’s bench scored three points. 

Here’s what you missed in Game 2 between the Lynx and Mercury:

End of regulation: Lynx 79, Mercury 79

We’re heading to overtime in Minnesota!

The Lynx led by as many as 20 points in Game 2, but the Mercury surged back and came within one point with 25.2 seconds remaining in regulation. Lynx guard Courtney Williams knocked down two clutch free throws with 20.7 remaining to stretch the Lynx’s lead back to three points, 79-76.

Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb responded by hitting a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining to tie the game at 79 following an offensive rebound from Alyssa Thomas. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier had a good look at the basket but missed a game-winning jumper that would have given the Lynx a commanding 2-0 series lead.

The Mercury outscored the Lynx 47-31 in the second half.

End of Q3: Lynx 62, Mercury 54

The Lynx led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter, but the Mercury outscored the Lynx 22-14 in the third quarter to come within eight.

The Mercury went on a 12-0 run fueled by seven Lynx turnovers in the third quarter.

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has a game-high 20 points, three rebounds and three steals, while Mercury forward Satou Sabally leads the Mercury with 13 points and four rebounds. Alyssa Thomas is up to 10 points, eight assists and two rebounds.

The Mercury have gotten the 3-ball going and are 8-of-19 from behind the arc. The Lynx are 6-of-22 from 3.

Halftime: Lynx 48, Mercury 32

The Lynx outscored the Mercury 27-13 in the second quarter to take a 16-point lead into halftime.

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier leads all scorers with 17 points, three steals and two rebounds. Kayla McBride scored 11 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Courtney Williams is on double-double watch with 10 points and five assists, while Alanna Smith added nine points, six rebounds and two blocks.

Mercury forward Satou Sabally is the only Phoenix player in double digits, although all 10 of her points came in the first quarter. Alyssa Thomas is up to six points, shooting a dismal 2-of-7 from the field, and Kahleah Copper added five points and two assists.

Phoenix has committed nine turnovers, which has led to 11 points for Minnesota, and is losing the battle of the boards (19-14), in the paint (20-16) and in transition (9 point on the fast break for the Lynx compared to 4 for the Mercury). The Lynx attempted eight more field goals than the Mercury in the first half.

WNBA schedule tonight

The semifinal round of the WNBA playoffs resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with two Game 2 matchups:

Game 2: Phoenix Mercury at Minnesota Lynx (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 2: Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)

End of Q1: Lynx 21, Mercury 19

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is having a great start to her birthday, recording a team-high nine points, three steals, one rebound and one assist in the first quarter. Alanna Smith added six points, four rebounds and two blocks. The Lynx are collectively shooting 52.9% from the field and 2-of-7 from 3.

Sabally said she’s able to bounce back from an off night by ‘just trusting your game. If you have a game where you don’t make as many points, it’s OK … Consistency wins always.’

Lynx up early with 7-0 run

The Minnesota Lynx went on a 7-0 run with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter, capped by a 3-point shot from Lynx guard Kayla McBride to take a 14-10 lead. Alanna Smith added six points and three rebounds, while Napheesa Collier is up to five points. 

Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally each have three points for the Mercury. 

What time is Lynx vs. Mercury Game 2?

Game 2 of the WNBA semifinal series between the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx and No. 4 seed Phoenix Mercury is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

How to watch Lynx vs. Mercury WNBA playoffs: TV, stream for Game 2

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Target Center (Minneapolis)
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo, ESPN Unlimited

Minnesota Lynx starting lineup

Head coach: Cheryl Reeve

6 Bridget Carleton | F 6′ 2′ – Iowa State
8 Alanna Smith | F 6′ 4′ – Stanford
10 Courtney Williams | G 5′ 8′ – South Florida
21 Kayla McBride | G 5′ 11′ – Notre Dame
24 Napheesa Collier | F 6′ 1′ – UConn

Minnesota Lynx injury report

Lynx guard Dijonai Carrington (left foot) has been ruled out the remainder of the postseason with a significant mid-foot sprain suffered in the Lynx’s Game 1 win against the Golden State Valkyries on September 17.  

Phoenix Mercury starting lineup

Head coach: Nate Tibbetts

0 Satou Sabally | F 6′ 4′ – Oregon
2 Kahleah Copper | G 6′ 1′ – Rutgers
4 Natasha Mack | C 6′ 4′ – Oklahoma State
8 Monique Akoa Makani | G 5′ 11′ – Cameroon
25 Alyssa Thomas | F 6′ 2′ – Maryland

Phoenix Mercury injury report

The Phoenix Mercury have all players available for Game 2.

WNBA playoffs 2025: Lynx vs. Mercury scores, results and schedule

Lynx leads best-of-five WNBA semifinal series, 1-0

Game 1: Lynx 82, Mercury 69
Game 2: Mercury at Lynx, 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday (ESPN)
Game 3: Lynx at Mercury, 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday (ESPN2)
Game 4: Lynx at Mercury, TBD on Sunday*
Game 5: Mercury at Lynx, TBD on Sept. 30*

*if necessary

WNBA playoff format

The WNBA playoffs is made up of three rounds. The first round features a best-of-three series (1-1-1), the semifinal round is a best-of-five series (2-2-1) and the 2025 WNBA Finals moved to a best-of-seven series (2-2-1-1-1) for the first time in league history.

Napheesa Collier arrives in style on birthday

Happy Birthday, Napheesa Collier!

The Minnesota forward turned 29 on Tuesday, Sept. 23 and is hoping for a Game 2 dub as a birthday present. Collier arrived to Target Center in a black leather jacket, paired with a black skirt that featured a high slit. She finished her birthday look off with a pair of black boots and pink highlights in her hair, a nod to the Stud Budz.

Phoenix Mercury arrivals

The Phoenix Mercury have arrived at Target Center.

Phoenix Mercury roster

Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas stats

Thomas averaged 15.4 points, a league-leading 9.2 assists and 7.2 rebounds in 39 games (all starts) this season. The 33-year-old recorded eight triple-doubles, a WNBA single-season record. Thomas, who was traded to the Mercury in February following 11 seasons in Connecticut, has averaged 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists in four games during the 2025 playoffs.

Phoenix Mercury guard Satou Sabally stats

Sabally is looking to bounce back from a particularly rough shooting night in Game 1. She recorded 10 points in the Mercury’s loss to the Lynx on Sunday, shooting 3-of-11 from the field and 0-of-5 from the 3-point line. Sabally averaged 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 39 games (all starts), shooting 40.5% from the field and 32.1%.

Minnesota Lynx roster

Lynx forward Napheesa Collier stats

Napheesa Collier finished second in WNBA MVP voting after averaging career-highs in points (22.9), field-goal percentage (53.1%) and blocks (1.5). She ranked top 10 in the league in points, field-goal percentage, rebounds (7.3), blocks and steals (1.6) per game and became the second player in WNBA history to join the exclusive 50-40-90 club, recording 50% shooting from the field, 40% from the 3-point line and 90% from the free throw line in a season. (Elena Delle Donne did it in 2019.)

Meet the ‘Stud Budz’

The ‘Stud Budz,’ made up of Minnesota Lynx teammates Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman, took the world by storm with their 72-hour live stream during WNBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.

‘It really started off as two friends, we knew about Twitch, and said, ‘Let’s just start streaming,” Hiedeman told USA TODAY Studio IX in July. ‘It’s a platform that’s unique, that really no one in the W has touched, so we was like, ‘Let’s be the first ones.”

The duo is known for their signature pink hair. During the first round of the playoffs, a 101-72 Game 1 victory over the Golden Valkyries, fans with pink wigs could be seen in the stands. The Lynx also gave the wigs away in the final game of the regular season. Read full story here.

Can the Minnesota Lynx channel 2017 magic for another title?

The Minnesota Lynx have a chip on their shoulder. After losing the 2024 WNBA Finals to the New York Liberty in a winner-take-all Game 5 that went to overtime, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve emphatically called out “disappointing officiating,” saying the championship was “stolen from us.”

The heartbreaking loss lingers 10 months later, as the league-leading Lynx are in position to make another deep playoff run. “You feel that loss for a long time,” Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman told USA TODAY Sports. It has been the driving force behind the Lynx’s record-breaking season with the same goal: Winning a championship.

Read Cydney Henderson’s full story on the Lynx’s redemption season here.

WNBA MVP 2025

A’ja Wilson was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 2025 season. She is the first four-time MVP, besting three-time winners Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. 

Wilson received 51 of 72 first-place votes and 21 second-place votes (657 points) from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. The Las Vegas Aces center won the award over finalists Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (534),  Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (391), Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (180) and Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (93).

2025 WNBA Finals schedule

*if necessary

WNBA champions by year

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Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis shook hands on a $2 million bet over the outcome of their Nov. 14 exhibition fight on Netflix.

Yes, the prefight hype train keeps chugging.

Can their 10-round fight live up to the hype, the latest generated during a press conference on Sept. 23 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, site of the spectacle?

The bout will highlight a massive weight discrepancy between Davis, who weighed in at 133¾ pounds for his last fight, and Paul, weighed in at 199½ pounds for his last fight. But at least temporarily talk of the weight difference gave way to talk of the wager.

The bet was sparked at the press conference when during a stretch reserved for media questions, online streamer Adin Ross asked to up the ante on a bet he apparently had with Davis. Ross said he’s betting on Paul to win, and Davis tried to escalate the bet. Ross said he needed financial support from Paul.

Paul and Davis eventually shook hands with Davis on the $2 million bet, each presumably betting on themselves to win the fight.

“Oh, they’re shaking,’’ someone blurted out.

Later, Davis indicated he will not honor the bet. On X he wrote, ‘He was never getting that 2 mil…(no matter) what happens.”

This is not the first time Paul has been involved in supposed boxing bets.

Paul made a $1 million bet with Mike Tyson on the trilogy fight between Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor on July 11. (Tyson bet on Taylor, who beat Serrano.) Paul, co-founder of sports betting company Betr, accepted bets from fighters on the undercard for his fight against Tyson during a press conference the week of the fight.

It’s unclear who got paid and how much. The fate of this latest bet might be as confusing as details of the boxing gloves that Paul and Davis will use.

At one point during the press conference in Miami, Davis’ trainer, Calvin Ford, stepped to a microphone reserved for the media and pressed Paul on the weight of the gloves. The fighters are to use 12-ounce gloves, Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian announced during a press conference in New York on Sept. 22.

Bidarian and Paul are co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions, which is promoting the fight.

As a lightweight, Davis usually fights in eight-ounce gloves. As a cruiserweight, Paul usually fights in 10-ounce gloves. But with their fight being contested at a maximum of 195 pounds, both fighters will use 12-ounce gloves.

“Wait, you guys were the ones that wanted 12-ounce gloves,’’ Paul said. “Not me. I’ll do eight (ounces). I’ll do four, I’ll do two ounces. I’ll do bare knuckle.’’

They agreed on two 10-ounce gloves. But the weight of the gloves, and perhaps even a $2 million bet, would have to be approved by the Florida Athletic Commission.

Cardinals running back Trey Benson is a top waiver priority after a season-ending injury to James Conner.
Several wide receivers, including Tre Tucker and Jalen Tolbert, are emerging as valuable pickups.
Fantasy managers should also consider adding promising rookie running backs as insurance policies.

A week ago, many fantasy football managers were scrambling to find a decent fill-in quarterback in the wake of multiple injuries to starters.

This week, the quarterback situations are much more settled … but that’s not the case with some of the other skill positions.

Week 4 feels like a transition week, with some backfield rotations starting to evolve and several wide receivers getting an opportunity to show what they can do. In addition, we may see a few missing wideouts make their season debuts this week, so check you league’s waiver wire carefully to see if the Vikings’ Jordan Addison or the Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin happen to be free agents.

Meanwhile, here are some of the top pickup options for the coming week.

Fantasy football players to add for Week 4

Due to the wide variance in types of leagues and individual team needs, the players listed here include their availability rates in Yahoo leagues, which may or may not match rates on other platforms. (Suggested bid values based on $100 free agent acquisition budget for the season.)

RB Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (52% rostered)

One of the most deflating developments of Week 3 was the season-ending foot injury suffered by James Conner. Benson was already one of the most valuable backup running backs because he and Conner were almost splitting snaps evenly anyway. Benson probably doesn’t have Conner’s upside, but he’s never really had a chance to be a lead back before. Now he does — for the rest of the season. (Recommended FAAB bid: $55)

WR Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders (4%)

The Raiders couldn’t keep up with the Commanders on Sunday, but Tucker stood out in a losing effort. With Geno Smith forced to air it out to mount a comeback, Tucker found himself on the receiving end of eight passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns. That performance (40.9 points in PPR scoring) made him the fantasy WR1 on the week. The stars were aligned for Tucker’s big day, but the Raiders could be facing big deficits against the Bears, Colts and Chiefs as well in the next few weeks. (FAAB bid: $10)

WR Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys (0%)

Another big injury Sunday was CeeDee Lamb leaving in the first half with a high ankle sprain. It’s probably going to be at least a month of recovery time for Lamb, which means Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin will need to become more involved in the passing game. Tolbert did have seven TD receptions last season. (FAAB bid: $8)

WR Tyquan Thornton, Kansas City Chiefs (3%)

Sunday marked Thornton’s second consecutive game with a touchdown reception. (And he almost had another on a call that was overturned by replay.) The fourth-year receiver is finding ways to beat opposing secondaries and Patrick Mahomes is giving him a chance to make the play. Sure, we’re waiting on Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy to return, but Thornton’s seeing targets now. (FAAB bid: $7)

RB Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams (17%)

Kyren Williams is still the unquestioned starter, but Corum is seeing consistent snaps, and he tied his career high with eight carries on Sunday. Corum scored a short-yardage touchdown in Week 2 and rushed for 53 yards in Week 3. If anything should happen to Williams, Corum would vault into must-start territory. (FAAB bid: $6)

RB Woody Marks, Houston Texans (9%)

The Texans are still waiting on Joe Mixon’s return, but there’s still no official timetable. The theme continues this week with another player who is seeing more touches and carving out a more defined role. The fourth-round pick most recently had six carries to nine for Nick Chubb. And he’s seeing work in the receiving game. (FAAB bid: $4)

RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears (13%)

Feel free to pick your favorite backup running back this week. Monangai had his snap count decrease from Week 2 to Week 3, but this is clearly a two-man backfield with D’Andre Swift. With Swift dealing with a leg injury, the rookie from Rutgers is a great insurance policy. (FAAB bid: $4)

WR Tory Horton, Seattle Seahawks (2%)

Another rookie, this time a fifth-rounder, seems to be making his mark in just a few touches each week. Horton caught a TD pass for the second straight week and he added an electrifying 95-yard punt return for a score against the Saints on Sunday. He mostly sees the field in three-WR sets with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, but we may be hearing more from Horton in the future. (FAAB bid: $3)

RB Hassan Haskins, Los Angeles Chargers (0%)

A torn Achilles for Najee Harris pushes Haskins up the depth chart behind starter Omarion Hampton. Haskins vultured a couple of goal-line touchdowns last year and could be the go-to short-yardage back going forward. He hasn’t yet tallied a carry this season, but a full week of practice will tell us a lot more about his role. (FAAB bid: $1)

WR Demarcus Robinson, San Francisco 49ers (0%)

In really deep leagues, Robinson could be a sneaky addition this week — even though he hasn’t yet played a snap with the Niners. The 10-year veteran was suspended for the first three games of the season, but he’s now eligible to return. Wideouts Brandon Aiyuk (PUP, knee) and Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) haven’t been healthy and Ricky Piersall needs some help. (FAAB bid: $1)

If you’re in a shallow league and want more waiver wire options, check out last week’s waiver wire targets, many of whom could still be available this week.

This is how the Mike Gundy era ends: With a 69-3 loss to Oregon that represents the program’s largest margin of defeat since 1907, a loss to in-state upstart Tulsa for the first time since 1998 and a midweek firing one day after Gundy responded to what he termed ‘fair questions’ about his dwindling job security.

The Oklahoma State job is open for the first time since 2005, when Gundy was promoted to replace LSU-bound Les Miles. The last season for the Cowboys that didn’t feature Gundy in some capacity was in 2000, when he was an assistant coach at Maryland.

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The former Oklahoma State quarterback leaves a wide legacy as the winningest coach in program history and some big shoes to fill. Still, his successor will face less pressure given how the Cowboys have cratered since the start of last year.

These coaches would fit the bill for the Cowboys, starting with a pair of Group of Five head coaches ready for a bigger challenge:

Eric Morris, North Texas

A former receiver for Texas Tech, the Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury disciple has done good work at North Texas, going from five wins in 2023 to a First Responder Bowl bid last season to this year’s 4-0 start, which includes recent wins against Washington State and Army. Morris previously spent four years (2018-21) at Incarnate Word, where he recruited and developed Cam Ward; the two were reunited in 2022 with Morris as the offensive coordinator at Washington State. Morris has the chops as an offensive coach and the knowledge of the region to be a very strong fit in Stillwater.

GJ Kinne, Texas State

Kinne is a little less experienced than Morris, whom he replaced as the coach at Incarnate Word in 2022. Kinne has also never been a full-time assistant in the Power Four. But his record speaks volumes: Texas State went 8-5 in each of his first two years and is one of the favorites in the Sun Belt this season. Like Morris, he has a track record of productive offenses built around strong quarterback play.

Dana Holgorsen, Nebraska offensive coordinator

The former Oklahoma State coordinator might not represent enough of a break from the Gundy era. Holgorsen also failed to capitalize on a 12-win season at Houston in 2021, posting a losing record in three of his five years with the Cougars. He was also coach for eight years at West Virginia. Holgorsen almost certainly install a must-see offense that would play well in the Big 12.

Justin Fuente

Fuente is currently out of coaching and beginning a job as a consultant with the College Football Playoff. He’s also indicated no desire to get back onto the sidelines after a disappointing end to his six-year tenure at Virginia Tech that finished in 2021. But he’s an Oklahoma native who would lend the program a degree of professionalism and, like others on this list, has a long background and defined success on the offensive side.

Jim Knowles, Penn State defensive coordinator

If OSU wants to lean toward a defense-minded coach instead, Knowles would be a logical call given his experience under Gundy (2018-21). Knowles recently was the coordinator for Ohio State’s national champions and was hired at Penn State this past offseason. He also has head coach at experience at Cornell, where he went 26-34 from 2004-09.

Will Stein, Oregon offensive coordinator

Stein is undoubtedly a future head coach given the success he’s had across multiple starting quarterbacks at Oregon. The former Louisville quarterback has also worked at Texas, Texas-San Antonio and Lake Travis High School, one of the state’s top programs. The question might not be whether Stein would be a good fit in Stillwater but whether he’s a gettable target for Oklahoma State. Would he wait for a better Power Four opportunity?

Zac Robinson, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator

Here’s an interesting candidate off the NFL ranks. Robinson was a three-year starter under center for the Cowboys (2007-09) who bounced around the NFL before entering coaching in 2019. His career has skyrocketed since: Robinson went from the assistant quarterbacks coach for the Los Angeles Rams that season, took on the title of passing-game coordinator in 2022 and was hired by the Falcons in January of 2024. Ties to the program will get Robinson’s name in the mix, but his youth and lack of any college experience are red flags.

Tre Lamb, Tulsa

Why not hire the local coach who just beat you? Lamb, 36, is one of the youngest coaches in the Bowl Subdivision despite being a head coach since 2020, when he was hired at Gardner-Webb. That Tulsa is his first taste of this level of competition is an issue, for one, and Lamb wouldn’t move the needle like other names under consideration. It would require some forward thinking from Oklahoma State to make this hire.

The Indiana Fever keep winning without star guard Caitlin Clark, begging the question: How?

At the beginning of the 2025 season, the Fever had championship expectations. They had just finished a successful offseason, bringing in a new coach, Stephanie White, and a few players, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Cloud and Sophie Cunningham, to help them get there. However, it hasn’t played out as the likely imagined. Five players have been lost to season-ending injuries, setting the Fever up for a rough end to the year.

Still, through all the obstacles, Indiana is going strong. So, the question becomes: How are the Fever cruising through the WNBA playoffs without Clark? Here are three reasons why they are stacking win after win.

1. The Indiana Fever have depth ― a lot of it

Due to injury, Clark played 13 games in 2025, which means the Fever spent a significant amount of time without her, trying to replicate a fraction of what she brings to the team. That’s hard to do. It’s like taking the engine out of a car and trying to drive it anyway. (Hint: That doesn’t work.) So the Fever turned to their depth, which included guards Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Cunningham, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald. Then, in a wild twist of events, the depth got hurt. Cunningham, Colson and McDonald all suffered season-ending injuries, putting Indiana at a real disadvantage.

Unfortunately, it didn’t stop there. The forwards on the team were impacted, too. Chloe Bibby also had a season-ending injury. Damiris Dantas missed the entire first round of the 2025 playoffs with a concussion. So, how is Indiana still going after all of that sort of turmoil? The Fever have depth ― a lot of it. The team’s front office deserves a ton of credit for going out and signing guards Odyssey Sims and Shey Peddy for relief. They also drafted forward Makayla Timpson and signing veteran Brianna Turner.

Sims and Peddy have extensive WNBA experience and seamlessly integrated into the Fever’s system after just a few games. Timspon and Turner were further down in the depth chart, but have played critical minutes as the season went on. All four players, plus Mitchell, Hull, forward Natasha Howard and center Aliyah Boston, have become crucial to the Fever’s success in the back half of the season. The Fever don’t upset the No. 3 seed Dream and steal a game from the No. 2 seed Aces in the playoffs without the contributions.

2. Stephanie White’s WNBA playoffs coaching clinic

As of the publishing of this story, Fever coach Stephanie White has 30 games of playoff experience in the WNBA. She’s led teams on deep playoff runs three separate times between her tenures with Indiana and the Connecticut Sun. In other words, White is not new to this. She’s true to this. Quite frankly, she and her staff deserve a lot more credit for what they have done to keep the Fever operating at a high level. That’s likely a lot of hours of film study, clipboard work and the unseen moments of pouring into players to get the most of them.

Perhaps what is most impressive about White’s current run with the Fever is her ability to not only come equipped with a formidable game plan but also to deploy timely adjustments. It often goes under the radar, but it’s that sort of work that has the Fever in the semifinals. For example, deploying Peddy in the waning minutes of Game 3 against the Atlanta Dream when the Fever’s season was seemingly on the line. Peddy immediately hit a 3-pointer and caused a deflection moments later, which went onto ignite a series-sealing momentum shift. That sort of small in the moment but ultimately large decision is a glimpse of not only White’s thought process and brilliance, but the trust in her players to execute.

3. The Fever are extremely resilient

As cliché as it sounds, the Fever are a resilient team. They are playing inspired basketball, with a lot of energy and intensity. That’s probably a walking nightmare for opposing teams to deal with because Indiana is already one of the most prolific teams in the league when fully healthy. What’s more, it’s likely motivating for the team that not many people expected the Fever to be in the second round of the playoffs, given all the injuries and, at times, the up-and-down nature of their season.

That sort of belief in one another and White is noteworthy, and ignites a much larger conversation. Could the Fever actually win it all without Clark? Then, if they were to win a championship this season without their top player, how many could they potentially win with Clark once she returns?

In a news release, Sooners coach Brent Venables announced that starting quarterback John Mateer will undergo surgery on Wednesday, Sept. 24 to fix a right-hand injury sustained in the Sooners’ win vs. Auburn. The expectation is for the Heisman Trophy candidate to ‘return to action sometime this season.’

Oklahoma mentioned in its news release that Mateer sustained his injury during the first quarter of the Sooners’ SEC opener against Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 20. Backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr., who split time last season with Auburn transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, will start in Oklahoma’s next game on Saturday, Oct. 4 against Kent State.

Mateer is coming off his second ranked win at Oklahoma in Week 4, as he led the Sooners to a 24-17 win over then-No. 25 Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Washington State transfer has rushed for at least one touchdown and passed for at least one touchdown in each of his last 10 games dating back to last year with the Cougars.

The 6-foot-1 quarterback is off to a hot start with the Sooners, who are ranked No. 10 in the US LBM Coaches Poll and 4-0 on the season with two ranked wins against Michigan and Auburn. Oklahoma is currently on bye in Week 5 of the season.

Here’s the latest on Mateer’s injury:

John Mateer injury update

Oklahoma announced on Sept. 23 that Mateer will undergo surgery on Sept. 24 to fix a hand injury that he sustained in the Sooners’ SEC opener win against the Tigers.

Mateer sustained his injury in the first quarter vs. Auburn, per Oklahoma’s news release. He played through the injury for the remainder of the game, completing 24 of 36 passes for 271 passing yards and one touchdown. He also added a 9-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter for the go-ahead score for Oklahoma.

‘After consulting with medical experts, it became clear that surgery is the best option for John and his short- and long-term future,’ Venables said in a statement. ‘He’s extremely disappointed he will miss some game action but is eager to correct the issue and move forward. As he is with everything, we know he will be aggressive with his rehabilitation and work to return to the field as quickly as possible.’

How long is John Mateer out?

Oklahoma didn’t give a clear timetable for Mateer’s return in its news release, as the Sooners said he is expected back on the field ‘sometime this season.’

ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Mateer is expected to miss ‘about a month’ of the season and that the surgery he will undergo is ‘considered straight-forward.’

The Sooners play Texas on Saturday, Oct. 11 — two weeks and three days after Mateer’s scheduled surgery.

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