Victor Wembanyama played limited minutes off the bench in the Spurs' NBA Cup semifinal win and may have a similar role in the final against the Knicks, as the team carefully manages his minutes due to a recent calf strain and prioritizes his long-term health while considering team dynamics.
New York Knicks' center Mitchell Robinson is expected to make his return from a 50-game absence due to an ankle injury and come off the bench in the game against the Toronto Raptors.
Chris Paul's return to the Golden State Warriors after missing 21 games due to a left-hand fracture provided a steadying presence off the bench, contributing 9 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, and a plus-17 net rating in 22 minutes. His leadership and playmaking abilities were evident as he orchestrated a 16-4 run in the third quarter and connected with Kuminga for an alley-oop. With Klay Thompson also coming off the bench, the Warriors' second unit outscored the Wizards' bench 59-15, showcasing the team's depth and potential for a lethal combination.
Klay Thompson, a long-time starter for the Golden State Warriors, came off the bench for the first time since 2012 in a game against the Utah Jazz. Despite initial reluctance, Thompson responded with an explosive performance, scoring 35 points and showcasing his competitive spirit. Warriors coach Steve Kerr plans to continue starting rookie Brandin Podziemski and keeping Thompson as a bench player after the All-Star break, aiming to maximize the team's firepower.
Klay Thompson came off the bench for the first time in 12 years and responded with a season-high 35 points, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 140-137 victory over the Utah Jazz. Despite initially being unhappy with the decision, Thompson's performance showcased his competitive spirit and helped the team secure their eighth win in 10 games. Coach Steve Kerr praised Thompson's resilience and adaptability, highlighting the potential for this change to bring out the best in both Thompson and the team.
LSU star Angel Reese was absent from the team's recent game after being benched in the previous game, with no explanation given by head coach Kim Mulkey. Reese, who led LSU in scoring and rebounding last season, was not in uniform, and Mulkey stated that she hopes to see her back soon. The Tigers, who won the national title last season, have had a slow start this year and suffered an upset in their season opener. There is speculation about trouble within the team, but no further details have been provided.
NBA Twitter reacts to Russell Westbrook volunteering to come off the bench for the struggling LA Clippers, with many praising his professionalism and willingness to make a change. Some speculate that the benching was inevitable and Westbrook and his team wanted to get ahead of the controversy. Others compare Westbrook's treatment to that of James Harden and express optimism about the new lineup.
Mac Jones, the quarterback for the New England Patriots, was benched for the third time this season during the closing minutes of a game against the Colts. Jones' interception and inconsistent decision-making have been a recurring issue throughout the season, leading to his benching. Patriots players, including team captains, refrained from commenting on the decision, deferring to coach Bill Belichick. Despite the benching, some players expressed confidence in backup quarterback Bailey Zappe. The Patriots' ground game was a bright spot in the game, with Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott combining for 142 rushing yards. Moving forward, it is crucial for Jones to stay positive and ignore the outside noise, according to teammate Matthew Slater.
The Denver Broncos are facing a dilemma with quarterback Russell Wilson, as the team is not winning games and considering benching him. Wilson already has $39 million guaranteed for next season, and any significant injury that prevents him from passing a physical in March would guarantee him another $37 million. The Broncos could spread the dead money cap hit over the next two seasons if they decide to move on from Wilson. A poll shows that 61% of respondents believe the Broncos should bench Wilson with the intention of moving on from him in 2024.
With six teams on a bye in Week 7, fantasy football managers should consider adding streamers like Jimmy Garoppolo and Logan Thomas, as well as rookie stashes like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Quentin Johnston. Backup running backs like Kendre Miller and Tank Bigsby are also worth considering, while deep-league stashes include Zamir White and Trey McBride. These players have the potential to provide value and should be added to fantasy benches.
Lionel Messi made his debut for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, coming off the bench in the 54th minute to replace Benjamin Cremaschi. Despite starting as a substitute, the crowd eagerly awaited Messi's entrance, chanting his name and showing their excitement. Messi's limited recent game action and training activity contributed to his bench role. The highly-anticipated signing has been hailed as significant for Inter Miami, MLS, and American soccer as a whole. Celebrities like LeBron James, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Serena Williams, and Kim Kardashian were in attendance to witness Messi's debut.
The Phoenix Suns are considering options with veteran point guard Chris Paul, which will impact the team's bench makeup next season. The financial implications of Paul's decision will determine how much the Suns can revamp their bench, which drew attention during the playoffs. The team's pending free agents comprise more than half of the roster, and the decision between both parties could determine what the team can afford to re-sign or let walk to other teams. The Suns' new coach, Frank Vogel, wants to have a blue-collar style of play to complement superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker next season.
The Phillies bullpen has improved significantly since losing their best reliever, José Alvarado, to injury two weeks ago, posting a 1.62 ERA with the second-lowest walk rate in the majors. The team's bench is currently acting as insurance, but could change as the season progresses with the potential addition of lefty power bat Darick Hall. Catcher J.T. Realmuto has started 39 of the Phillies' 46 games and has noticed feeling fresher since the pitch clock has been put in. The team's average attendance this season is the second-best in baseball, with a year-to-year increase of almost 13,000 fans per game.
Immanuel Quickley is doubtful for Game 4 of the Knicks vs. Heat NBA playoff series due to a sprained left ankle. If he can't play, Miles McBride may enter the rotation. Coach Tom Thibodeau didn't rule out using veterans Derrick Rose or Evan Fournier, but the duo have only appeared in mop-up duty in recent months. The Knicks' bench has been outplayed by the Heat's reserves, and now they may be without their top reserve. The Heat listed Jimmy Butler and Caleb Martin as questionable, but both are expected to play.
The New York Knicks' bench was expected to be a strength in the NBA playoffs, but Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Immanuel Quickley has struggled to replicate his regular-season form. Quickley's scoring, rebounding, and field-goal percentage have all dropped, and he has struggled around the basket. Coach Tom Thibodeau has made lineup and rotation changes, moving Josh Hart into the starting lineup, which may have affected Quickley's performance. Thibodeau has urged Quickley to stay aggressive and not overthink his game.