The Playlist: Week 8 fantasy basketball waiver wire pickups and start/sit advice

SummaryFour-star cornerback Peyton Dyer from Duluth, Georgia, committed to USC after his official visit, enhancing an already strong 2026 recruiting class that includes five-star Elbert Hill and four-star Brandon Lockhart. Dyer, previously committed to South Carolina and considering a visit to Penn State, is the 21st-ranked cornerback in his class. USC now boasts 28 total commits and maintains the top position in the Rivals team recruiting rankings. Full Article

Haley Jones has been waived by the Phoenix Mercury just days after being signed to a hardship contract following her release from the Atlanta Dream. Selected sixth overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Jones played only four games with the Mercury, averaging 2.3 points, as the team navigated injuries to key players. As an unrestricted free agent again, Jones' struggles reflect the challenges of maintaining a spot in the WNBA, especially amid the Mercury's injury-riddled...

The Texas Longhorns are making waves with their bold recruiting strategy, showcasing Lamborghinis outside their football facilities during visits from top high school prospects. This year’s display attracted around 14 to 15 elite recruits, including five-star running back Ezavier Crowell and four-star quarterback Kavian Bryant, highlighting Texas's commitment to leveraging NIL opportunities, which has led to partnerships with Lamborghini Austin for several players. While the flashy approach has sparked mixed reactions, it underscores Texas's determination...

Toyota topped the times at the Le Mans Test Day, marking the start of track running ahead of next weekend’s double-points round of the World Endurance Championship. Brendon Hartley led the way in the h3Toyota GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar with a time of 3m26.246s, achieved early in the second of two three-hour sessions on the full Circuit de la Sarthe at Le Mans. This performance placed him half a second ahead of the competition,...

Nate Schmidt joined the Panthers following their first Stanley Cup title, feeling pressure to replace lost defensemen. Initially uncertain about his role, he eventually adapted to the team's system and rediscovered his playing style, contributing significantly during the playoffs. Coach Paul Maurice praised Schmidt for integrating well and bringing positive energy to the locker room, as he excelled in the Stanley Cup Final, showcasing his skills and helping the team maintain high expectations for success....

After starting strong with three podium finishes, including a victory in Austin, Pecco Bagnaia's performance took a downturn beginning with the French Grand Prix, where he finished 16th. This negative trend continued at the British Grand Prix with a crash and persisted in the Aragón sprint, resulting in a disappointing 12th place finish. As a two-time MotoGP champion, Bagnaia has requested support from Ducati to address his ongoing struggles on the track. Full Article