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

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? 🔎

Participate in the SB Nation MLB in-5 trivia game, where you can guess an MLB player using five clues, featuring both active and retired athletes. Share your results and feedback in the comments or through a Google Form, as the game aims to improve through player input and is available daily on the SB Nation platform. Need More Context? 🔎

With a commanding 6-0 victory over Al-Ain, Manchester City showcased their dominance at the 2025 Club World Cup, highlighting their strengths in possession football, clinical finishing, and impressive squad depth under Pep Guardiola. Key factors in their potential success include Guardiola's tactical expertise, the maturity of young players, and their seamless execution of tactical routines. Need More Context? 🔎

Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark has acknowledged the strength of the Ravens' roster, particularly after their recent signing of two-time All-Pro CB Jaire Alexander. Despite his loyalty to Pittsburgh, Clark predicts that if the Ravens remain healthy, they should win the Super Bowl in 2025, reflecting his shift towards supporting Baltimore amidst their productive offseason. Need More Context? 🔎