Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.
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UPCOMING
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BBO--MLB-DIVISION-SERIES-GUIDE
DESCRIPTION: Only eight teams remain in the chase for a World Series title. The Atlanta Braves knocked off the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday to solidify the Division Series matchups. It’ll be the Braves vs. the two-time defending champion Dodgers and Brewers vs. Padres in the NL, while the Rays face the Yankees and the Guardians play the White Sox in the AL. By Baseball Writer David Brandt. 650 words, photos by 1 p.m. PT
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BBO--POSTSEASON
FORMATS: Text
WITH: BBO--ALDS-YANKEES-RAYS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: TAMPA, Fla. — The Rays had the fifth-lowest payroll in the major leagues and won more games than any team in the American League. They’ll take on the free-spending New York Yankees in a matchup of AL East rivals. By Rob Maaddi.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
WITH: BBO--NLDS-PADRES-BREWERS PREVIEW
DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - The red-hot San Diego Padres parlayed their Wild Card Series sweep of the Chicago Cubs into an NL Division Series matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers, who won a franchise-record 103 games during the regular season. By Steve Megargee. 700 words, with photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 6:00 p.m. EDT
BBO--YANKEES-JONES’ WILD INNING
DESCRIPTION: Spencer Jones made baseball history in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series, becoming the first player to strike out starting and ending a postseason inning in which he scored a run. By Baseball Writer Ronald Blum. 550 words, photos, 6 a.m.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text
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FBN--COMMANDERS-LONDON
DESCRIPTION: Commanders hold practice outside London ahead of game v Colts. HC Dan Quinn to talk to media. Story on merits.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 10:00 a.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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RAC--GAUDREAU TRIBUTE HORSES
DESCRIPTION: Vincent Conanan grew up playing hockey with and against Johnny Gaudreau, the NHL winger who died along with his brother, Matthew, while riding their bicycles near their hometown on the eve of their sister Katie’s wedding in August 2024. His son has started asking what “Johnny Hockey” was like, so Conanan pledged to name a horse after Gaudreau. After going to school in central Ohio where Gaudreau played his final two seasons, Devon Bradley had the same idea. On Saturday, the horses -- Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau -- will run in the same race at Belmont Park, with the winner qualifying for the Breeders’ Cup. By Stephen Whyno. Text, photos.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 12:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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GLF--DUNHILL LINKS
DESCRIPTION: Jack Buchanan and Michael Stewart share the lead going to the second round of the Dunhill Links Championship. Upcoming: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 2:30 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WNBA PLAYOFFS
DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the first round of the WNBA playoffs
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 5:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo
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AS--ASIAN GAMES
FORMATS: Text, Photo, Video
1. WITH: AS--ASIAN GAMES
2. DESCRIPTION: Coverage of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. The 20th edition of the continental event brings together more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions. Competition will include 43 sports.
3. UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT
4. WITH: AS--ASIAN GAMES GOLF
5. DESCRIPTION: Two South Korean golfers hope win gold in Asian Games golf, which would give them an exemption from military service at home.
6. UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT
7. WITH: AS--ASIAN GAMES CRICKET
8. DESCRIPTION: Bitter rivals Pakistan and India meet in the gold-medal final at the Asian Games.
9. UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT
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GLF--UTAH CHAMPIONSHIP
DESCRIPTION: Zach Bauchou leads by one going into the second round of the Bank of Utah Championship. Upcoming: 500 words.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 9:00 p.m. EDT, Text
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BKL--WINGS-VALKYRIES
DESCRIPTION: SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden State Valkyries host the Dallas Wings in the deciding Game 3 of their first-round playoff series. By Janie McCauley. Starts 6 p.m. PDT.
UPCOMING: By 10/02/2026 10:08 p.m. EDT, Text
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NEW AND DEVELOPING
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BKL--FEVER-ACES
A’ja Wilson scores 36 points as the Aces send the Fever home again with a 94-83 win in Game 3
SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson made sure her basketball spoke for itself Thursday night, the four-time WNBA MVP scoring 36 points to lead the defending champion Las Vegas Aces to a 94-83 victory and eliminate the Indiana Fever in the deciding Game 3 of the first round. The third-seeded Aces move on to play the winner of the Golden State-Dallas series, which will be decided Friday night in San Francisco. This is the second year in a row Las Vegas has ended the season for the Fever, who were seeded sixth.
WORDS: 658 - MOVED: 10/02/2026 1:02 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7da01a90a3c9e98c0eadc8fd9130b600&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES ELIMINATED
Bryce Harper after Phillies’ early playoff exit: ‘You’re here to win games, and we didn’t’
SUMMARY: Bryce Harper isn’t making excuses for the Philadelphia Phillies’ playoff exit. The Phillies lost 6-2 to the Atlanta Braves in the deciding Game 3 of their National League Wild Card series. Harper said the team didn’t win games when it mattered most. The Phillies have made five straight postseason appearances and fallen short of a World Series championship each time despite a core of star players that includes Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto and Aaron Nola. Interim manager Don Mattingly says the team had to fight hard just to reach the playoffs this year.
WORDS: 777 - MOVED: 10/02/2026 1:02 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c97ff39e8cd06a19b16c6fbee0d41578&mediaType=text
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BBO--PHILLIES-BRAVES
Braves hit 3 homers and Chris Sale closes out 6-2 win over Phillies to win Wild Card Series
SUMMARY: Michael Harris II hit a three-run homer in the first inning, Chris Sale came out of the bullpen to get the final four outs and the Atlanta Braves beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-2 in the decisive Game 3 of their National League Wild Card Series. Surprise starter Ray Kerr threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings for Atlanta, and Ozzie Albies launched a two-run homer in the fourth. Matt Olson added a solo shot in the seventh as the Braves advanced to a best-of-five Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Braves took a postseason series for the first time since winning the 2021 World Series and earned their first playoff series win against the NL East rival Phillies. Aaron Nola allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings for Philadelphia.
WORDS: 1019 - MOVED: 10/02/2026 12:43 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8314cdb21ac2a64ff13a234ac7d2bd87&mediaType=text
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FBN--STEELERS-BROWNS
Watson leads another game-winning drive, Szmyt hits 56-yard FG and Browns beat Steelers 27-24
SUMMARY: Deshaun Watson passed for 268 yards and moved the Browns into position for Andre Szmyt’s career-long 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining that gave Cleveland a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watson completed 24 of 33 passes with a touchdown and an interception. He was 4 of 5 for 46 yards as he led a go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter for the third straight week. The Browns are 3-1 for the first time since 2021. They led 21-7 before Aaron Rodgers rallied the Steelers to tie the game at 24-all.
WORDS: 640 - MOVED: 10/02/2026 12:08 a.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:81887ac70308420c68610f99c16bd0f7&mediaType=text
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BBO--DODGERS PREPARE
Dodgers eying a 3rd straight World Series title as NLDS opener nears
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Dodgers are staying relaxed as they head into the postseason, aiming to become the first team since the late ’90s Yankees to win three straight World Series titles. They’re also trying to be the first National League team to achieve the feat. They’ve spent this week playing simulated games, taking live batting practice and healing up nagging issues. First baseman Freddie Freeman is focusing on his swing mechanics while managing a knee issue. Shohei Ohtani is working on getting his swing right after recently spending two weeks on the injured list.
WORDS: 537 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 11:12 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3eb16fc425cd3d56080bab09d0e1f030&mediaType=text
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BKN--PISTONS-DUREN
Pistons, Jalen Duren agree on 5-year, $200M contract, AP source says
SUMMARY: Jalen Duren has accepted a five-year, $200 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. A person with knowledge of the agreement confirmed the deal Thursday night. Duren accepted the offer shortly before a deadline on a one-year, $9.6 million qualifying offer. He made $6.5 million last season and became an All-Star for the first time. Duren averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game last season, along with 10.5 rebounds. He made the All-NBA third team but struggled in the playoffs. Duren has averaged 13.5 points in his first four NBA seasons with Detroit.
WORDS: 226 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 11:11 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5ca7efdbb05ffb1bdf02dc2584fc3ad&mediaType=text
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HKN--RANGERS-SHESTERKIN GOALIE GOAL
Igor Shesterkin becomes the 18th NHL goaltender to score a goal and first to do it for the Rangers
SUMMARY: Igor Shesterkin has become the 18th goaltender in NHL history to score a goal and the first to do it for the New York Rangers. Shesterkin shot the puck from deep in his end into an empty net with 2:34 left in a 5-1 victory against Tampa Bay on Thursday night. The first goal of his career is the 21st by a goalie, counting the playoffs. Shesterkin has been known to try his hand at scoring before. Lightning coach Jon Cooper gave him the opportunity Thursday night by pulling Andrei Vasilevskiy off and on during the third period for an extra attacker.
WORDS: 581 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 11:04 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3071a38443eb6b8d4410cf5966803d53&mediaType=text
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HKN--LIGHTNING-RANGERS
Igor Shesterkin becomes first Rangers goalie to score in 5-1 win over Lightning in home opener
SUMMARY: Igor Shesterkin became the first New York Rangers goalie to score when he lofted the puck the length of the ice into an empty net, capping a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. A year after failing to score in their first three home games last season, the Rangers wasted little time preventing a repeat performance, getting a goal from Mika Zibanejad less than six minutes into their home opener. Pavel Dorofeyev and Eeli Tolvanen each scored his first goal with his new team, and Gabe Perreault deflected in a shot by No. 1 defenseman Adam Fox. Shesterkin scored with 2:34 remaining, becoming the 18th goalie in NHL history with a goal. The first of his career was the 21st by a player at the position, counting the playoffs.
WORDS: 370 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 10:09 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b17f72d46546dc5f8f1a6a5a1cc93cf&mediaType=text
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GLF--UTAH CHAMPIONSHIP
Zach Bauchou has career-low 62 and leads in Utah
SUMMARY: Zach Bauchou had a great finish to his lowest round on the PGA Tour. Bauchou finished birdie-birdie at Black Desert for 62. That gives him a one-shot lead over nine players on a day of low scoring in southern Utah. The average score was hovering around 68 on a course with a couple of reachable par 4s. Sudarshan Yellamaraju was the first of the nine players at 63. Presidents Cup teammates Nick Taylor and Christiaan Bezuidenhout were at 64. Jackson Koivun got back to his Presidents Cup form late. He made four birdies in his last five holes for 69.
WORDS: 508 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 9:18 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69805ee2b69848e4deb836129e663ed4&mediaType=text
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CAR--F1-BAHRAIN GP IN MALAYSIA PREVIEW
Antonelli aims to bounce back from ‘worst’ weekend but faces a possible rainy F1 in Malaysia
WORDS: 589 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 8:00 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9b0cb938a896ad88f2aff75951959023&mediaType=text
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BBO--GRANT TETON-BASEBALL
MLB won’t consider game at Grand Teton National Park, says was only conducting initial due diligence
SUMMARY: Major League Baseball has decided not to consider Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming for a game. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred sent a letter to local officials and community leaders, stating that MLB had no formal plans to play there. The idea faced strong opposition from environmental groups and the local community. Manfred emphasized that MLB would not bring a game to a community with concerns about the venue. MLB has hosted games in unique locations before, like the Iowa cornfields from “Field of Dreams.” However, the Grand Teton proposal was met with resistance, leading to its dismissal.
WORDS: 399 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 7:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5a97d844fba76f39ff16e6f7684e0c44&mediaType=text
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BBO--BREWERS-WINNING WITHOUT HOMERS
MLB-best Brewers score in bunches but rarely homer, upending baseball’s launch-angle revolution
SUMMARY: The NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers produced the best record in Major League Baseball and won a franchise-record 103 games with a statistical profile that hadn’t been seen in over six decades. The Brewers had the second-highest scoring output in the majors despite matching the second-lowest homer total of any team. Sportradar says the Brewers are the first club since the 1960 Chicago White Sox to finish among the top three MLB teams in runs scored and among the bottom three in homers. The Brewers are taking that approach into the playoffs as they seek their first World Series title.
WORDS: 1516 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 7:30 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4178b295afaaa96a279b0de62396909f&mediaType=text
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SOC--NATIONS-LEAGUE-ROUNDUP
Klopp celebrates 1st Germany win and Portugal moves on from Cristiano Ronaldo in Nations League
SUMMARY: Jürgen Klopp savors his first win as Germany coach with a 2-0 victory over Serbia in the Nations League. Florian Wirtz starred in the match in Munich. Klopp was on the verge of becoming the first Germany coach not to win any of his first three games. Portugal managed well without Cristiano Ronaldo, defeating Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen. João Félix sealed the win amid speculation over Ronaldo’s future with the team after the 41-year-old forward left following a rift with the coach. The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Greece.
WORDS: 677 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 6:46 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5c506f34f7e09614e044989638255eab&mediaType=text
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SOC--IRELAND-ISRAEL-PROTESTS
Protesters throw tennis balls and call on Ireland to boycott second match against Israel
SUMMARY: Protesters against Ireland playing its Nations League games against Israel have interrupted the team’s match against Austria by throwing tennis balls on the field. Referee Allard Lindhout sent the players for a hydration break as soon as the balls bearing Palestinian flags landed on the grass with Ireland 1-0 up after 19 minutes played. Protesters are opposing Ireland’s Nations League matches against Israel due to Israel’s actions in Gaza. A small group from the “Stop the Game” initiative gathered near the stadium, displaying a Palestinian flag and banners supporting Ireland player Gavin Bazunu. Bazunu decided to boycott both matches against Israel. The Football Association of Ireland has resisted, citing potential UEFA sanctions.
WORDS: 627 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 6:28 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e84896f25bd6580f86ac2daf7c3bc494&mediaType=text
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MMA--UFC 332 PREVIEW
A month to pivot: Natalia Silva’s new title path against Wang Cong at UFC 332
SUMMARY: Natalia Silva is set to fight Wang Cong for the women’s flyweight title at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City. Originally, Silva was preparing to face Valentina Shevchenko, who withdrew due to injuries, vacating the title. Silva, the top-ranked challenger, now faces Cong, ranked eighth. Silva said her training shifted quickly to focus on Cong, who is relatively new to MMA. Despite criticism over Cong’s place in this event because of her ranking, she aims to prove herself. Silva is thrilled to headline the event, seeing it as a dream come true.
WORDS: 557 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 6:18 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f89acaecb7223ce40fe251c1fe1bbaf3&mediaType=text
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FBN--STEELERS-COWBOYS TRADE
Cowboys acquire disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Steelers for 2 draft picks
SUMMARY: The Dallas Cowboys have acquired disgruntled cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh will receive two draft picks from Dallas, a sixth-rounder in 2027 and a second-rounder in 2028. Porter has been inactive all three games this season for the Steelers. The fourth-year pro has been dealing with a back issue and had also been in the middle of a contract stalemate with Steelers management over a new deal. It’s the second major trade between the Steelers and Cowboys in two years. Dallas acquired receiver George Pickens before the 2025 season.
WORDS: 934 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 6:10 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:eb36fb408d6797f63d969734b4efe2bb&mediaType=text
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FBN--BEARS-STADIUM
NFL’s Goodell meets with Illinois governor as the Bears continue pursuit of new stadium
SUMMARY: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has met with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the leadership of the state’s General Assembly, adding another wrinkle to the Chicago Bears’ long-running pursuit of a new home. The Bears said in August that the franchise’s “sole focus” for the construction of a new stadium and mixed-use development was on Hammond, Indiana. But the public confirmation of the conversation between Goodell and Pritzker indicates that Illinois remains in the mix. Pat Ryan, a billionaire minority investor in the Bears and a member of the team’s board of directors, also attended the meeting.
WORDS: 749 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 5:51 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:6c27479959b3d252d352eddeeef31c3f&mediaType=text
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BBO--ALDS-GUARDIANS-PITCHERS
Guardians name Parker Messick starter for ALDS Game 1 vs. White Sox, Gavin Williams for Game 2
SUMMARY: Parker Messick will be the first Cleveland rookie pitcher to get a start in a postseason game since 2016 when the Guardians left-hander gets the call for Saturday’s first game of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. Manager Stephen Vogt also announced on Thursday that Gavin Williams will get the start for Game 2 on Monday. Messick went 12-9 in 32 regular-season starts. His 2.56 ERA is the lowest by a rookie pitcher in a single season with a minimum of 30 starts since the Mets’ Jon Matlack had a 2.32 ERA in 1972 when he won NL Rookie of the Year honors.
WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 4:53 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:834c29745da0a8410c9b922fd8887421&mediaType=text
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BKL--WNBA-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Dream star forward Angel Reese voted WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
SUMMARY: Atlanta Dream star forward Angel Reese was voted WNBA Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday, receiving 46 votes from 72 media members. Golden State’s Gabby Williams finished second with 20 votes and Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson was third. Wilson won the award in 2022 and 2023 and shared the honor with Minnesota’s Alanna Smith last year. Reese is a three-time All-Star who helped the Dream advance to the WNBA playoff semifinals for the first time since 2018 in her first year with the franchise. Atlanta will host Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday against New York.
WORDS: 271 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 3:39 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:337bdc5adb275664239836bdfabf8343&mediaType=text
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TEN--WTA-PRIZE MONEY
WTA announces ‘major milestone’ with equal prize money at Italian Open and other big events in 2027
SUMMARY: The WTA Tour has announced a major milestone for gender equality in tennis. Starting in 2027, all combined WTA 1000 events, including the Italian Open, will award equal prize money to men and women. This change follows Billie Jean King’s long-standing advocacy for equal pay. The WTA also announced an expanded tournament in Manila and reduced playing commitments for top-ranked players. The updates will be implemented as a one-year pilot. The WTA aims to evaluate the impact of these changes for future decisions.
WORDS: 595 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 2:44 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:574aa729e8b631e92ff9a8dc142fca72&mediaType=text
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BKN--GRIZZLIES-EDEY
Zach Edey’s oft-injured ankle the key to Memphis Grizzlies’ latest rebuilding project
SUMMARY: Zach Edey stands out in any crowd at 7-foot-4 and spinning the scales to the 300-pound line. Edey unfortunately spent much of last season in street clothes watching Memphis Grizzlies’ huddles while sidelined by his left ankle. Now the two-time AP College Player of the Year at Purdue and ninth pick overall in 2024 has to prove he’s healthy after that ankle limited him to just 11 games last season. How much success the young Grizzlies have in their latest rebuilding effort depends heavily on Edey being available regularly. Edey says he feels more athletic than last year and wants to make the most of this opportunity.
WORDS: 701 - MOVED: 10/01/2026 2:26 p.m. EDT
https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:10be137fd10c586bfb1fc120008b2b6c&mediaType=text
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