The Playlist: Week 17 fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups and start/sit advice

UFC 317 has lost a key matchup as Paulo Costa's middleweight fight against Roman Kopylov has been rescheduled to UFC 318 on July 19 due to Costa's illness. Costa, struggling with a recent record of 1-4, aims to revitalize his career, while Kopylov, on a two-fight winning streak, seeks to enhance his contender status with a victory over Costa. Need More Context? 🔎

The Indiana Pacers fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the 2025 finals, facing a challenging 2025-26 season after star guard Tyrese Haliburton's serious injury. As the Philadelphia 76ers aim to contend, they can learn from the Pacers' successful roster strategies, focusing on depth and youth development amid CBA constraints that threaten core stability across the league. Need More Context? 🔎

Keegan Bradley, the U.S. Ryder Cup Captain and recent Travelers Championship winner, is now under scrutiny regarding his potential participation in the upcoming Ryder Cup. With his performance justifying a position among the top American players, the debate intensifies as he contemplates balancing his leadership role with the opportunity to compete, emphasizing his passion for the event. Need More Context? 🔎

With excitement building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, fans are warned against purchasing tickets from resale sites like Vivid Seats, which are speculative as FIFA has yet to release any tickets. Official sales begin in late 2025 on FIFA.com, and unauthorized purchases risk cancellation, so fans should remain cautious and await legitimate offerings. Need More Context? 🔎

Liverpool has sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for €30 million, with potential add-ons of €5 million and a buy-back clause reportedly exceeding €60 million. This strategic move allows Quansah, who struggled for consistency last season, to develop away from Anfield while keeping Liverpool connected to his future progress. Need More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎