Author: admin

  • Hedge funds’ next big short appears to be industrials in apparent bet against economy

    Hedge funds’ next big short appears to be industrials in apparent bet against economy

    Continue Reading

  • Pan African to list on London Stock Exchange main market by end-2025

    Pan African to list on London Stock Exchange main market by end-2025

    • South Africa’s Pan African Resources to move listing from AIM to LSE main market
    • Transfer expected by December 31, 2025, with no new capital raise planned
    • Miner targets 40% gold output growth in 2026, boosted by assets in South Africa and Australia

    Pan African Resources announced today plans to shift from the AIM market to the main board of the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The South African gold miner said the move is aimed at supporting its “next phase of expansion.”

    The transfer, subject to regulatory approval, is expected before December 31, 2025. The company noted that it does not plan to raise new funds as part of the listing and will continue trading its shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Pan African expects the shift to give it access to a larger pool of British and international investors.

    AIM, created by the LSE for young and smaller companies, is an unregulated market that has attracted many junior miners. However, the main board of the LSE has historically been the global hub for mining listings, even as Toronto and Sydney have gained ground, and New York remains the anchor for major gold producers.

    “We are currently benefitting from the strong gold price environment which we expect will enable us to be fully de-geared during the course of FY26. We believe the proposed move from AIM to the Main Market will enable us to access a deeper pool of capital and enhance liquidity for the group as we continue our ambitious growth strategy,” said Cobus Loots, Pan African’s CEO.

    The company is targeting a 40% year-on-year increase in gold production for fiscal 2026, which began on July 1, 2025. Output is expected to range between 275,000 and 292,000 ounces. Pan African operates mines and tailings processing facilities in South Africa and Australia. In November 2024, it acquired Tennant Consolidated Mining Group in Australia for $54.2 million, aiming to add 50,000 ounces of gold annually starting in fiscal 2026.


    Continue Reading

  • AI voice agents helped improve accuracy of blood pressure measurements in older adults

    AI voice agents helped improve accuracy of blood pressure measurements in older adults

    Artificial intelligence (AI) voice agents helped older adults with high blood pressure to accurately report their blood pressure readings and improved blood pressure management, according to preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting is in Baltimore, September 4-7, 2025, and is the premier scientific exchange focused on recent advances in basic and clinical research on high blood pressure and its relationship to cardiac and kidney disease, stroke, obesity and genetics.

    Controlling blood pressure remains a cornerstone for improving cardiovascular outcomes for patients, however, capturing timely, compliant blood pressure readings remains a challenge, particularly for patients with limited access to care. In our study, we were able to improve accuracy of blood pressure measures and patient outcomes.”


    Tina-Ann Kerr Thompson, M.D., lead study author, senior vice president of the primary care service line and executive director of the population health collaborative at Emory Healthcare, Atlanta

    AI voice agents are conversational systems powered by large language models that can understand and produce natural speech in real time when interacting with humans. This study included 2,000 adults, a majority ages 65 and older, and was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and scalability of a voice-enabled AI agent in engaging patients to self-report accurate blood pressure readings, in place of a phone call with a health care professional about their blood pressure measures. The AI agent also identified patients in need of follow-up medical care based on their blood pressure readings.

    The AI voice-agent calls to patients were made using commercially available AI in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. A blood pressure reading outside the threshold range for readings that vary based on the presence of other conditions, such as diabetes, resulted in the call being escalated to a licensed nurse or medical assistant. The presence of symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision or chest pain also prompted escalation of the call. Escalation to additional care was immediate in urgent situations or within 24 hours for non-urgent issues.

    The patients were contacted by the voice agent to provide recent blood pressure readings or to conduct live measurements during the call. After the call, the readings were entered into the patient’s electronic health record and reviewed by a clinician. Call routing and referrals for care management were prompted for patients with difficult-to-control high blood pressure. This process reduced the manual workload by clinicians and resulted in an 88.7% lower cost-per-reading. This amount was calculated by comparing the cost of commercially available AI voice agents with the use of human nurses to perform similar tasks that result in successfully obtaining patient self-reported blood pressure readings.

    The study found that integrating AI into clinical workflows lowered costs and improved care management for patients. During the study period:

    • 85% of patients were successfully reached by the voice-based AI agent.

    • Of those patients, 67% completed the call, and 60% took a compliant blood pressure reading during the call. Among these patients, 68% met CBP (controlling blood pressure) Stars compliance thresholds.

    • Overall, 1,939 CBP gaps were closed, elevating the measure from 1-Star to 4-Star performance-a 17% improvement. The Medicare Advantage (MA) and Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) CBP measure increased from a previously reported 1-star rating to 4-star rating.

    • At the end of each completed call, patients received a two-question survey to rate their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being 100% satisfied. Among the completed calls, the average patient-reported satisfaction rate exceeded 9 out of 10, reflecting an excellent overall experience with the voice-based AI agent.

    “We were surprised by the high patient satisfaction scores after interacting with artificial intelligence-based voice agents,” said Thompson. “We are excited for what that means for the future, since patient engagement and satisfaction are so critical to health care outcomes.”

    “This could be a game-changing study,” said Eugene Yang, M.D., M.S., FACC, an American Heart Association volunteer expert. “Accurate blood pressure readings are essential to improving control, and new approaches can help make that possible. Breakthrough AI technologies like this could transform how we manage blood pressure by reaching patients wherever they are and addressing critical barriers, such as limited access to care and gaps in patient support.” Yang, who was not involved in this study, is a professor in the division of cardiology and the Carl and Renée Behnke Endowed Chair for Asian Health at University of Washington School of Medicine.

    The study has several limitations. This study was observational and did not have a control group. The consecutive AI calls were not compared to human calls; instead, AI voice-calls were deployed because it was not possible to make an adequate number of human-only calls. In addition, the study was retrospective, meaning it reviewed existing data, and evaluation was completed after the clinically identified calls were already made.

    Study details, background and design:

    • Participants included 2,000 adults; a majority were ages 65 or older (average age of 72 years; 61% women) receiving care for high blood pressure.

    • Review of electronic health records identified patients who were missing blood pressure data or whose most recent BP reading was not within the normal range of <120/80 mm Hg. Patients with these gaps in data were tagged to receive calls from the AI voice agent.

    • The study was conducted with patients at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta during a 10-week period. Patients received at least one phone call during the study. Patients received more than one call if they did not answer the phone.

    • Patients with open gaps in managing blood pressure were identified through electronic medical records (EMR) and payer analytics. Patient lists were reviewed to ensure the information in their records was correct, and they were verified for outreach by a clinical operations team to ensure real-time accuracy of gaps before outreach to the patients.

    • AI texts, phone calls from the conventional care team, recent clinical visits where documentation could be found for a blood pressure reading and generative AI voice agents were used to contact patients to provide recent blood pressure readings or take their blood pressure reading during the call. These included any recent clinical visits where documentation could be found for a BP recorded. 

    • A post-call validation step was integrated into the workflow, in which readings were entered into the EHR, reviewed by a clinician and submitted as supplemental data to close the Stars quality gap. For patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, clinical escalation referrals were made to care management teams.

    • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the Star Ratings system, known as MA Stars, to rate Medicare Advantage (MA) (Part C) and prescription drug (Part D) plans on a 5-star scale with 1 being the lowest score and 5 being the highest score. MA plans are plans from private insurance companies approved by Medicare and not issued by Medicare itself. Hospitals, care centers and clinicians are eligible to receive a bonus payment increase if they achieve at least a 4-star rating.

    Self-measured blood pressure is a focus area of Target:BP, an American Heart Association initiative that helps health care organizations improve blood pressure control rates through an evidence-based program. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for all adults with any level of high blood pressure, as noted in the Association’s new 2025 guideline on high blood pressure, released last month.

    Source:

    American Heart Association

    Continue Reading

  • Citadel CEO Ken Griffin to Trump: Don't mess with the Fed – Quartz

    1. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin to Trump: Don’t mess with the Fed  Quartz
    2. Opinion | Trump’s Risky Game With the Fed  The Wall Street Journal
    3. Ken Griffin lays down the law on why Trump needs to back off the Fed, saying his meddling could prompt a national debt crisis  Fortune
    4. Trump’s calls to dismiss Fed governors undermine independence, Citadel CEO writes in WSJ op-ed  Reuters
    5. What Happens After The Fed Ceases To Be Independent  Forbes

    Continue Reading

  • Mike Hesson says tri-series victory builds ‘confidence’ of team

    Mike Hesson says tri-series victory builds ‘confidence’ of team

    Mike Hesson, head coach of Team Pakistan during a Pakistan Men’s T20 Squad media opportunity at National Stadium on July 14, 2025 in Karachi, Pakistan.—AFP

    Mike Hesson, white ball coach of Pakistan’s men’s cricket team, said that the Green Shirts’ victory in the tri-nation series served as a “confidence builder” ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.

    Pakistan thumped Afghanistan by 75 runs in the final on Sunday in Sharjah stadium, with Mohammad Nawaz claiming a hat-trick.

    Hesson expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and claimed that beating Afghanistan in conditions favourable for them helped his side grow in confidence ahead of the continental tournament.

    “I am pleased with the way the team is progressing. We have beaten Afghanistan in conditions that suit their spin attack, which was a real confidence builder,” he said, adding, “Winning a final under pressure before heading into the Asia Cup was also very important for us.”

    The head coach specifically praised Fakhar Zaman for his role in the team’s victory, stating that the top-order batter has grown in confidence after coming back from an injury.

    He further termed his unbeaten 77-run knock against hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) crucial and dismissed the criticism directed towards him regarding the strike rate by highlighting the left-handed batter’s ability to adjust according to different conditions.

    “Fakhar Zaman has grown in confidence throughout the tri-series after coming back from injury. He started slowly, but his 77 not out was crucial,” Hesson stated.

    “He’s adapting his game to different conditions; you can’t always score at a strike rate of 160, but he has the ability to adjust when required. His contributions with the bat and in the field have been pleasing,” he added.

    Pakistan coach then lauded Player of the Series Nawaz for his consistent performances since returning to the national team, terming him a ‘huge asset’ across departments.

    “Mohammad Nawaz has been outstanding. He was a player of the series both in the tri-series and against the West Indies in the USA,” Hesson continued.

    “Since returning to the side, he’s become more confident and smarter about how to bowl at key moments. He is a huge asset in all three departments,” he added.

    Mike Hesson then went on to term Pakistan’s group in the Asia Cup 2025, comprising India, hosts UAE, and Oman, challenging but urged the team that handles ‘challenges’ adequately will emerge victorious.

    “An eight-team Asia Cup is great for Asian cricket. It’s a true test, it expands the game in the region, and it allows us to see players we don’t face often. Our pool is challenging with Oman, UAE, and India. We have done our scouting, but we will need to adapt quickly. The key is not to get distracted by external pressures.

    “We must focus on each game, qualify for the Super Four, and then play consistently well to progress further. The side that handles those challenges best will win the tournament.”

    Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, will start its Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Oman on September 12 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.


    Continue Reading

  • Apple Event 2025 Live Updates: The Final iPhone 17 Rumors Ahead of Its Debut

    Apple Event 2025 Live Updates: The Final iPhone 17 Rumors Ahead of Its Debut

    all

    Apple/ Zooey Liao/ CNET

    Apple’s iPhone 17 line will likely get its big debut tomorrow, and we’ll be covering the big iPhone reveal along with any other “one more thing” moments coming out of Cupertino. Apple’s “awe dropping” event will kick off at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, and CNET will be covering it on the ground and remotely. Leading up to the iPhone 17 event, we’ll use this live blog to wrap up all the rumors and analysis. Along with an iPhone 17 line — and the rumored debut of a thinner iPhone 17 Air — Apple’s expected to announce new Apple Watch models and new AirPods.

    CNET will also hold a watch party starting at 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT), 30 minutes ahead of Apple’s event. Hosts Bridget Carey and Iyaz Akhtar will kick off the show on CNET’s YouTube channel, and check in with CNET Senior Technology Reporter Abrar Al-Heeti who will be attending the event at Apple Park. The show will feature our final predictions for Apple’s event, will pause when the keynote begins, and will return afterward to wrap up all of the big reveals. Mashable’s Timothy Beck Worth and Lifehacker’s Michelle Ehrhardt will also join the show to provide their insight on Tuesday’s event.

    If you want to be part of the show, you can submit your questions on CNET’s YouTube channel.


    Continue Reading

  • Prostate cancer care and what guides treatment

    Prostate cancer care and what guides treatment

    Prostate cancer rarely shows symptoms in the beginning stages and early screening remains the single most powerful way to catch it before it spreads and becomes incurable.

    Over 300,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025, yet many do not understand the numbers that will ultimately guide their care. A positive prostate cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean aggressive disease. Most men diagnosed today live long, full lives; especially when the cancer is found early.

    Understanding the key numbers in a diagnosis can empower men to take an active role in their treatment decisions.

    A positive prostate cancer diagnosis involves several different numbers, which include:

    • prostate-specific antigen or PSA
    • prostate health index or PHI
    • Gleason score
    • cancer stage

    Herbert Ruckle, MD, FACS, chair of Loma Linda University Health’s Urology Department, explains that while these terms and numbers can be confusing or complex, they serve as an indicator for assessing and treating the cancer.

    “The reason why the numbers are important is because it’s like a language of the disease, and when understood, it defines the gravity of the situation,” Ruckle says.

    Prostate cancer is often first detected through a PSA blood test. Men at average risk are encouraged to start talking to their doctors about screening around age 50, but those at higher risk, such as men with a family history or African American men, should begin as early as 40.

    The PSA number is one of the most important factors for early detection, Ruckle says, it is the most important number a man should know.

    “If possible, it’s better to have an early detection and be cured because there are so many options available in terms of treatment,” Ruckle says.

    A high PSA level doesn’t always mean cancer. It may prompt a repeat PSA test or a Prostate Health Index (PHI) test, which can improve accuracy by estimating the likelihood of prostate cancer with a percentage as low as 10% or as high as 50%.

    If results suggest a high risk, doctors may recommend a biopsy, in which small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope. A negative biopsy will mean continued monitoring with PSA tests and follow-up imaging or biopsies if numbers increase. A positive biopsy will mean cancer cells are present and the cancer will be graded and staged.

    An important measure to diagnosing prostate cancer is the Gleason score. To determine the Gleason score, a physical examination and imaging will be used to grade and stage the cancer, which will reveal whether the cancer is growing slowly or quickly and how aggressive it is. The combination of grade and stage are foundation to determine treatment options.

    Pathologists look at the two most common cell patterns in biopsy, assign each a number from 2 to 5, and add them together for a final score ranging from 6 to 10. Gleason scores of 6 are low-grade cancer, 7 are intermediate and 8 to10 are high-grade and more aggressive. A higher score is not always a death sentence; it is just a piece of information providers use to classify the cancer.

    The Gleason score also determines the grade group between 1 and 5, which is then used to help stage the cancer from 1 to 4. Together, the numbers for PSA level, PHI, Gleason score and cancer stage may all be used to guide treatment recommendations.

    Treatment for prostate cancer is not one-size-fits-all, Ruckle says. Depending on the stage, grade, and a man’s overall health, treatments should be customized and can include:

    Prostate cancer numbers from PSA to Gleason score are more than medical jargon, they are tools that help doctors communicate the disease status and choose the safest, most effective plan for each patient.

    Understanding the numbers behind prostate cancer is only the first step in taking an active role in your prostate health. If you or a loved one is due for a screening or want to learn more about your risk, the experts at Loma Linda University Cancer Center are here to help give clarity and peace of mind.

    Take charge of your prostate health and make an appointment today.

    Continue Reading

  • NBA Fantasy: Depth chart breakdowns for all 30 teams

    NBA Fantasy: Depth chart breakdowns for all 30 teams

    Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline stars who are looking to build off of successful 2024-25 campaigns.

    With less than one month until preseason action, the time has come to start looking at each team and its projected starting five. In this article, I’ll provide who I think will get the starting nod for each team, as well as some position battles, be it for opening night or later in the season. 

    Atlanta Hawks

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Trae Young, SG: Dyson Daniels, SF: Zaccharie Risacher, PF: Jalen Johnson, C: Kristaps Porziņģis

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Onyeka Okongwu, Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker

    Despite potentially moving back to the bench, Okongwu should play close to starters’ minutes, even more if and when Porziņģis misses time. Both Kennard and Alexander-Walker provide the Hawks with some much-needed guard depth. They should play meaningful minutes, although the exact amount could depend on the individual matchup.

    Brooklyn Nets

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Egor Dёmin, SG: Cam Thomas, SF: Terance Mann, PF: Michael Porter Jr., C: Nic Claxton

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead

    A team that still looks to be in the middle of a rebuild, the Nets could continue to spread the load when it comes to playing time. Sharpe would be the obvious beneficiary, should Claxton either be traded or miss time. Clowney has flashed some upside, but he is yet to string together a strong run of performances. Perhaps this is the season we see him flourish? Whitehead is a relatively untapped resource, but is a name to watch as the season progresses.

    Boston Celtics

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Derrick White, SG: Payton Pritchard, SF: Jaylen Brown, PF: Sam Hauser, C: Luka Garza

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Neemias Queta, Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher

    There is a chance that Simons may not be in Boston for long. However, he is a proven scorer who can handle the ball. Common sense dictates he should still play a sizeable role, even off the bench. Boston’s center rotation is the main area of weakness. Look for the coaching staff to chop and change the playing time on a consistent basis.

    Charlotte Hornets

     

    Potential Starters: PG: LaMelo Ball, SG: Kon Knueppel, SF: Brandon Miller, PF: Miles Bridges, C: Mason Plumlee

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Liam McNeeley, Collin Sexton

    Kalkbrenner put together a strong Summer League and should, at some point, take on the starting role. McNeeley was also impressive before being sidelined due to a minor injury. If the Hornets struggle, look for McNeeley to also step into a larger role. Sexton is a proven scorer who should play heavy minutes if the Hornets want to compete. However, his role could reduce if and when the plans change.

    Chicago Bulls

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Josh Giddey, SG: Coby White, SF: Ayo Dosunmu, PF: Matas Buzelis, C: Nikola Vučević

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Tre Jones, Zach Collins

    Jones ended the 2024-25 season strongly before an injury struck him down. With no Lonzo Ball, look for Jones to play as the primary backup behind Giddey. Vučević is still in Chicago, although maybe this is the season we see him moved at some point. Collins had some nice games down the stretch last season and appears to have moved ahead of Jalen Smith in the pecking order.

    Cleveland Cavaliers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Darius Garland, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: De’Andre Hunter, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance

    The Cavaliers’ rotation is set in stone, meaning it’s hard to see roles changing too much. Ball replaces Caris LeVert and should play consistent minutes. However, with Garland having a chance to miss the start of the season, look for Ball to take on a more significant short-term role. Nance was a sneaky addition and should allow Mobley to spend a bit more time at the center spot. While he will likely play sporadic minutes, he is someone to keep an eye on given his intriguing skillset.

    Dallas Mavericks

     

    Potential Starters: PG: D’Angelo Russell, SG: Klay Thompson, SF: Cooper Flagg, PF: Anthony Davis, C: Dereck Lively

    Position Battles/Names to watch: PJ Washington, Max Christie, Brandon Williams

    Washington proved himself to be a jack-of-all-trades last season and should once again be the first player off the bench. Christie started his career in Dallas well, but faded late. Look for him to try and build some momentum early in the season. Although Russell will likely assume the starting point guard role until Kyrie Irving returns, he is by no means a sure thing. Williams was fantastic down the stretch last season and should be in the discussion for a larger role, should Russell come up short.

    Denver Nuggets

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Jamal Murray, SG: Christian Braun, SF: Cam Johnson, PF: Aaron Gordon, C: Nikola Jokić

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Bruce Brown, Jonas Valančiūnas, Peyton Watson

    Brown returns to Denver and should immediately step into a sixth-man role. Any injury to the starting lineup would likely result in an uptick in playing time. Valančiūnas gives the Nuggets a viable backup behind Jokić. While he won’t play heavy minutes, Valančiūnas will step into the starting role whenever Jokić is sidelined. Watson has flashed some upside, but consistency has been an issue. Now is the time if he is going to establish himself as a worthwhile piece on a championship squad.

    Detroit Pistons

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Cade Cunningham, SG: Jaden Ivey, SF: Ausar Thompson, PF: Tobias Harris, C: Jalen Duren

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Caris LeVert, Ron Holland

    Despite a somewhat disappointing rookie season, Holland should play a larger role this season. He impressed during the recent Summer League and is a key piece of Detroit’s young core. LeVert will serve as the team’s sixth man and, as we know, has a chance to produce on a nightly basis.

    Golden State Warriors

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Steph Curry, SG: Brandin Podziemski, SF: Jimmy Butler III, PF: Draymond Green, C: Quinten Post

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton

    Kuminga’s exact role and location remain a mystery, making him a tough player to project. If he sticks around in Golden State, he should play upwards of 25 minutes per game. Coming off a season lost to injury, Melton will be out to prove himself on the big stage. He brings a defensive backcourt presence, something the Warriors certainly need. 

    Houston Rockets

     

    Potential Starters PG: Fred VanVleet, SG: Amen Thompson, SF: Kevin Durant, PF: Jabari Smith Jr., C: Alperen Sengun

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard, Clint Capela

    Houston is all in this season, acquiring Durant from the Suns. While this puts a bit of a damper on what Eason can do, he should still see decent minutes on a nightly basis. We didn’t see much from Sheppard during his rookie season, but could at least be a regular part of the rotation following a dominant performance at Summer League. Capela will battle Steven Adams for the backup center minutes. If Sengun misses time at all during the season, it would likely be Capela who steps into the starting role.

    Indiana Pacers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Andrew Nembhard, SG: Bennedict Mathurin, SF: Aaron Nesmith, PF: Pascal Siakam, C: Jay Huff

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Isaiah Jackson, Obi Toppin

    With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined for the entire season, the Pacers are likely going to be in a holding pattern. The removal of Myles Turner opens up an opportunity for Huff and Jackson, with Huff likely to get first crack at the starting role. Toppin proved to be a valuable piece for the Pacers last season and should once again serve as a high-energy asset as required.

    LA Clippers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: James Harden, SG: Bradley Beal, SF: Kawhi Leonard, PF: John Collins, C: Ivica Zubac

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Chris Paul, Brook Lopez

    The Clippers roster is on the older side, a strategy that could certainly backfire. Both Paul and Lopez are in the twilight of their careers, but they should play key roles for a team whose championship window is potentially closing.

    Los Angeles Lakers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Luka Dončić, SG: Austin Reaves, SF: Rui Hachimura, PF: LeBron James, C: Deandre Ayton

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Marcus Smart, Jarred Vanderbilt

    Smart lands in Los Angeles with a lot to prove after a season to forget in Washington. He will likely come off the bench, but as we have seen in the past, his defensive upside should be enough to keep him on the floor, even closing games from time to time. Vanderbilt is also no stranger to injury. Although the addition of Ayton does stifle Vanderbilt’s opportunities somewhat, he is a far better defender than Ayton and should feature in the nightly rotation.

    Memphis Grizzlies

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Ja Morant, SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF: Jaylen Wells, PF: Jaren Jackson Jr., C: Zach Edey

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Santi Aldama, Ty Jerome

    Aldama was fantastic last season and will look to build off a career-best year. Jackson could miss some time to begin the season, likely resulting in a larger role for Aldama. Likewise, Jerome was a key piece for the Cavaliers last season and lands in Memphis, slated to come off the bench behind Morant. While last season may end up being his best season as a professional, Jerome is someone to keep an eye on.

    Miami Heat

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Tyler Herro, SG: Norman Powell, SF: Andrew Wiggins, PF: Bam Adebayo, C: Kel’el Ware

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Nikola Jović, Dru Smith

    Jović has the ability to serve several purposes on a Heat team trying to find an identity. While he is unlikely to start, Jović could very well earn himself a sizeable role. Smith was building momentum last season until his campaign was derailed by injury. He is arguably the best wing defender on this squad and will be looking to prove himself, yet again.

    Milwaukee Bucks

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Kevin Porter Jr., SG: Gary Trent, SF: Kyle Kuzma, PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo, C: Myles Turner

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Cole Anthony, Ryan Rollins, Bobby Portis

    After parting ways with Damian Lillard, the starting point guard spot is seemingly up for grabs in Milwaukee. While Porter Jr. is likely the preferred choice at this point, both Anthony and Rollins are arguably more intriguing. Poor results early in the season could see one or both players step into larger roles. As is always the case when it comes to Portis, he will do his thing, but he is obviously a more appealing asset when Antetokounmpo misses time.

    Minnesota Timberwolves

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Donte DiVincenzo, SG: Anthony Edwards, SF: Jaden McDaniels, PF: Julius Randle, C: Rudy Gobert

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon

    Reid provides the Timberwolves with a reliable scoring threat off the bench, but would need Gobert to miss time to have any chance at taking his game to the next level. Shannon is another player who impressed during Summer League and looks set for a larger role right out of the gate. 

    New Orleans Pelicans

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Jordan Poole, SG: Herb Jones, SF: Trey Murphy III, PF: Zion Williamson, C: Yves Missi

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey

    Missi is likely penciled in as the starting center, but it’s fair to say he wasn’t overly impressive during his rookie season. Look for Queen to at least challenge for center minutes right out of the gate. Coming off a forgotten season as a result of injury, Bey is looking to remind everyone what he can do when healthy. Where he fits is unclear, although he almost certainly slots in as the first or second player off the bench. 

    New York Knicks

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Jalen Brunson, SG: Mikal Bridges, SF: Josh Hart, PF: OG Anunoby, C: Karl-Anthony Towns

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson

    With Tom Thibodeau now out of the picture, the playing time should subside for the starters in New York. This could result in an uptick for guys like Robinson, who certainly provides the team with a much-needed rim protector. Clarkson should slot in as the sixth man.

    Oklahoma City Thunder

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG: Lu Dort, SF: Jalen Williams, PF: Chet Holmgren, C: Isaiah Hartenstein

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Nikola Topić

    Life is good in Oklahoma City, and it’s hard to see anything changing when it comes to the rotation. Wallace proved to be a key bench piece last season and should once again anchor the second unit. Likewise, Wiggins emerged as a secondary scoring piece and has potentially earned himself a more consistent role. Topić is the wildcard. While he probably won’t’ have much of a role to begin with, he is by far the most intriguing piece on the roster.

    Orlando Magic

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Jalen Suggs, SG: Desmond Bane, SF: Franz Wagner, PF: Paolo Banchero, C: Wendell Carter Jr.

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Goga Bitadze, Jase Richardson, Orlando Robinson

    As we saw last season, Carter by no means has the starting center spot locked down. Bitadze will once again challenge for minutes, while Robinson should also at least be in the discussion. Both players could have periods of productivity during the season. Players like Anthony Black and Jett Howard have, to this point, failed to impress. Richardson should get a chance at some point during the season. 

    Philadelphia 76ers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Tyrese Maxey, SG: VJ Edgecombe, SF: Paul George, PF: Kelly Oubre Jr., C: Joel Embiid

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Adem Bona, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes

    It all comes down to health for the 76ers. Embiid’s knees are an ongoing issue, and the chances of him playing more than about 40 games are in the air. Bona impressed down the stretch last season and should get first crack at the starting role, if and when Embiid shifts to the injured list. McCain was one of the more impressive rookies before his season was brought to a premature end as a result of a knee injury. Look for him to pick up where he left off. Grimes was arguably the most impressive player to close last season and will also be looking to pick up where he left off.

    Phoenix Suns

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Devin Booker, SG: Jalen Green, SF: Dillon Brooks, PF: Ryan Dunn, C: Mark Williams

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Jordan Goodwin, Khaman Maluach

    The Suns will likely run without a true point guard to begin the season, a decision that could allow Goodwin to play an important role, albeit off the bench. Williams will likely slot in as the starting center following a trade from Charlotte. However, Maluach was highly sought after in the draft and should play decent minutes. His ability to protect the rim is something that shouldn’t be lost on the coaching staff, and could earn him a handful of extra playing time.

    Portland Trail Blazers

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Scoot Henderson, SG: Shaedon Sharpe, SF: Toumani Camara, PF: Deni Avdija, C: Donovan Clingan

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Jerami Grant, Yang Hansen, Jrue Holiday

    Grant could very well remain in the starting lineup at the expense of either Deni Avdija or Shaedon Sharpe. Look for Grant to soak up a bunch of minutes, be it off the bench or as a starter. The Trail Blazers have a number of center options, although Hansen is by far the most intriguing when it comes to the modern game. If Holiday actually plays well, his presence will likely hurt Henderson.

    Sacramento Kings

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Dennis Schröder, SG: Zach LaVine, SF: DeMar DeRozan, PF: Keegan Murray, C: Domantas Sabonis

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Malik Monk, Keon Ellis, Nique Clifford

    Despite a likely shift to the bench, it could be argued that Monk deserves a chance at larger minutes. Ellis has proven himself to be an elite wing defender, and yet his minutes are inconsistent. Clifford could also be called upon to do a lot more than first expected.

    San Antonio Spurs

     

    Potential Starters: PG: De’Aaron Fox, SG: Stephon Castle, SF: Devin Vassell, PF: Harrison Barnes, C: Victor Wembanyama

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Dylan Harper, Jeremy Sochan

    Harper should play upwards of 25 minutes per game from night one, allowing him to be a producer right away. Although Castle has likely earned himself a starting role alongside Fox, I doubt it is set in stone. There is a world where Harper supplants Castle at some point throughout the season. Sochan will likely settle into a bench role, but given Barnes’ struggles defensively, Sochan could find himself in the closing lineup from time to time.

    Toronto Raptors

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Immanuel Quickley, SG: RJ Barrett, SF: Brandon Ingram, PF: Scottie Barnes, C: Jakob Poeltl

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Collin Murray-Boyles, Gradey Dick

    It’s hard to know what to expect from the Raptors this season. Murray-Boyles profiles a little like Barnes, possibly limiting his opportunities. However, if things go south for Toronto, look for the rookie to move up in the rotation. Dick turned himself into a somewhat reliable scorer last season. While his playing time is likely to come down a little, he could find himself back in the starting lineup if Ingram misses time due to injury. 

    Utah Jazz

     

    Potential Starters: PG: Isaiah Collier, SG: Keyonte George, SF: Ace Bailey, PF: Lauri Markkanen, C: Walker Kessler

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Taylor Hendricks, Walter Clayton, Kyle Filipowski

    The Jazz have some of the most intriguing young pieces in the league. A leg injury caused Hendricks to miss basically the entire 2024-25 season, meaning he will be returning with a chip on his shoulder. The addition of Bailey hurts his overall upside, but it makes sense for the Jazz to give him ample opportunity. With Sexton and Clarkson both gone, Clayton could be the primary beneficiary. George was a little up and down to close last season, while Collier’s deficiencies on the offensive end are well-documented. Keep an eye on Clayton’s playing time as the season moves forward. Filipowski is another young piece who could see his playing time ramp up. Fresh off an MVP performance in Summer League, he will be keen to prove to everyone that he is here to stay.

    Washington Wizards

     

    Potential Starters: PG: CJ McCollum, SG: Khris Middleton, SF: Bilal Coulibaly, PF: Kyshawn George, C: Alex Sarr

    Position Battles/Names to watch: Cam Whitmore, Tre Johnson

    The Wizards brought in Whitmore, who’s coming in from Houston last season. On a team with an uphill battle for a postseason run, we could see Whitmore given more freedom than we have to this point in his young career. If McCollum or Middleton miss time, Johnson could be featured, but could quickly ascend the playing ranks if his game translates well from college.

    Continue Reading

  • Preview: Can Lithuania find a way to stop the Greek Freak?

    Preview: Can Lithuania find a way to stop the Greek Freak?

    The official EuroBasket app

    RIGA (Latvia) – Lithuania and Greece are set to determine one of the spots in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Semi-Finals in this true classic of European basketball.

    It’s needless to say we have a whole lot of tradition on the line – two basketball nations to their core with 12 FIBA EuroBasket podium finishes between them are about to clash. But there’s quality in the present also with Jonas Valanciunas and Giannis Antetokounmpo going head-to-head.

    Game Predictor

    Predict the winners, score points and win prizes!

    🌐

    STREAM LIVE ON COURTSIDE 1891

    Stream the action on Courtside 1891, with live games and on-demand replays.
    Blackouts might apply in certain territories.

    📺

    Find your local broadcaster

    There are several ways for you to watch FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on your TV through local broadcast partners. However, not all broadcasters will show every game from the tournament. We recommend checking the specific game pages to see which broadcasters in your country will be airing the games.

    Semi-Finals have escaped Lithuania for a decade

    Hold on, because it’s about to get very crowded in Riga with the number of Lithuanians ready to support their national heroes in the hunt for their first Semi-Finals in a decade. After eliminating Latvia, Lithuania can now be thought of as the team with home court advantage.

    But there is a whole lot of Giannis Antetokounmpo for them to deal with. The Greek Freak is on a mission to carry Greece into the Semi-Finals after 16 years, and the two-time champs are near perfect in that quest. Their only loss came to Bosnia and Herzegovina when Giannis did not suit up, whereas Lithuania lost only to Germany.

    How did they get here

    Lithuania win Baltic derby to snatch Quarter-Finals spot

    Giannis counts to 37, Greece soar to Quarter-Finals

    It’s hard to single out one matchup out of a very interesting bunch: whether its a clash of legends with Spanoulis and Kurtinaitis on the sidelines or Valanciunas vs Giannis in the paint. After Rokas Jokubaitis’ injury, Arnas Velicka rose to the occasion in Lithuania’s backcourt, but now he’s taking on Kostas Sloukas and Tyler Dorsey. For sure, it’s a must-watch game.

    Did you know?

    • Lithuania have won four of their last six games against Greece at EuroBasket, but the Greeks won
      their most recent matchup in 2017 Round of 16.

    • Greece have the second-best accuracy from three-pointers at the event at 40.7 percent, whereas only two teams have a lower accuracy from that range than Lithuania at 27 percent.

    • Lithuania have grabbed an average of 42.2 RPG at the EuroBasket 2025, more than any other team. However, Greece have allowed their opponents to grab 40+ rebounds only once at the event.

    All information has been provided by Opta.

    What else to read

    Lithuania’s unexpected hero: Europe meets Arnas Velicka

    20 years on: Greece’s title quest inspired by 2005 heroes

    Game Predictor

    Predict the winners, score points and win prizes!

    FIBA

    Continue Reading

  • Africa CDC and WHO Launch Emergency Response

    Africa CDC and WHO Launch Emergency Response

    Map of suspected cases and deaths of Ebola virus disease by health zone, as of September 4, 2025.

    Image credits: WHO

    Africa CDC has launched an emergency response to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) 16th outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD), confirmed in Kasai Province. As of September 7, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths have been reported, including four among health-care workers. The index case was a 34-year-old pregnant woman who presented with fever, hemorrhage, and diarrhea on August 20 and died on August 25 of multiple organ failure. Laboratory testing confirmed the Zaire strain of Ebola virus.1

    Africa CDC Director General Dr Jean Kaseya visited the DRC to coordinate directly with the Ministry of Health. Experts have been deployed to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, and infection prevention and control in affected health zones. Investigations into the outbreak source remain ongoing.1

    Kasai Province last reported an Ebola outbreak in 2008. Current response priorities include enhanced digital surveillance, protection of frontline health workers, and targeted vaccination. Africa CDC emphasized early detection, effective case management, and coordination with national and international partners as essential to containing the outbreak.1

    World Health Organization (WHO) Update (September 4–5, 2025)

    What You Need To Know

    28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including 4 health workers, have been reported in Kasai Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    Africa CDC and WHO have deployed experts, medical supplies, and 2000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to support containment efforts.

    The outbreak is a new zoonotic spillover event, with national risk rated high and global risk low.

    On September 4, DRC health authorities formally declared the outbreak following confirmatory testing at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa. At that time, 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths had been reported across the Bulape and Mweka health zones, with a case fatality ratio of 54%.2

    Patients presented with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhage. Genomic sequencing indicates a new spillover event rather than continuation of prior outbreaks. Approximately 80% of suspected cases are in individuals ≥15 years of age.2

    WHO deployed experts in epidemiology, infection prevention and control, and case management as part of a rapid response. Crisis committees have been activated, patients isolated, and contact tracing initiated. WHO has delivered two tonnes of medical supplies, including PPE and mobile laboratory materials. The DRC has 2000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine in Kinshasa, which will be mobilized for ring vaccination of contacts and frontline workers.2

    WHO has assessed the overall public health risk as high nationally, moderate regionally, and low globally.This is the DRC’s 16th Ebola outbreak since 1976 and the first confirmed outbreak in nearly three years. The most recent occurred in North Kivu in 2022, with a single fatal case. Kasai Province previously reported outbreaks in 2007 and 2008.3

    The outbreak is occurring amid concurrent epidemics of mpox, cholera, and measles, alongside political and economic instability that strain response capacity. Ebola virus disease is a rare but often fatal illness transmitted through contact with infected animals and between humans via direct contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated surfaces. The average case fatality ratio is approximately 50%.3

    “Containing the outbreak will require rapid deployment of clinical care, surveillance, and vaccination measures in the affected health zones,” WHO stated. “Given the country’s concurrent epidemics and limited resources, international coordination and support will be critical to preventing wider spread.”2

    References
    1.Africa CDC. Africa CDC Weekly Brief | 1 – 7 September 2025. September 7, 2025. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://africacdc.org/news-item/africa-cdc-weekly-brief-1-7-september-2025/
    2.WHO. Democratic Republic of the Congo declares Ebola virus disease outbreak in Kasai Province. September 4, 2025. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.afro.who.int/countries/democratic-republic-of-congo/news/democratic-republic-congo-declares-ebola-virus-disease-outbreak-kasai-province
    3.WHO. Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo. Disease Outbreak News. September 5, 2025. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2025-DON580

    Continue Reading