The Playlist: Week 9 waiver wire pickups and previewing a star-studded Christmas slate

The Oklahoma City Thunder, after a tumultuous period marked by the departures of stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, have emerged as NBA champions, thanks to bold moves by GM Sam Presti that revitalized the team. Key acquisitions and draft successes, including MVP-caliber players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, signal a bright future for the franchise. Need More Context? 🔎

Giacomo Petrobelli and Jonny Adam delivered a dominant performance to win the British GT round at Spa, showcasing composure amidst the chaos of the race. Their victory propels the Blackthorn Aston Martin duo into a competitive title race, marking a significant moment in the championship. Need More Context? 🔎

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the NBA championship by emphasizing the Four Factors—Effective Field Goal Percentage, Turnover Percentage, Offensive Rebounding Percentage, and Free Throw Rate—over traditional stats, showcasing their superior defense and adaptability throughout the Finals against the Indiana Pacers. With a roster that includes centers Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder's dynamic gameplay contrasts sharply with the historical struggles of the franchise's predecessor, the Seattle SuperSonics. Need More Context? 🔎

McLaren's development driver, Alex Dunne, will replace Lando Norris during FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix, marking a significant opportunity for the 19-year-old to gain experience in a Formula 1 car. Currently leading the F2 Drivers' Championship with two Feature Race wins, Dunne expressed excitement about contributing to the team's setup and development process during the race weekend. Need More Context? 🔎

The Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring will see the Formula 1 grid return amidst the backdrop of the recent clash between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who are currently leading the Drivers’ Championship. The incident in Canada, where Norris' car was damaged in their battle for position, has set the stage for key storylines this week in Austria as McLaren aims to refocus on racing. Need More Context? 🔎

The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to be top picks, while Ace Bailey's draft stock remains uncertain due to a rocky freshman season at Rutgers and his refusal to participate in workouts. The Oklahoma City Thunder's championship run highlights the value of versatile players, influencing potential draft decisions as teams consider Bailey's unique skill set and potential. Need More Context? 🔎