This is a revised rendition of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, your essential guide to each day’s sporting events. You can subscribe to receive it in your email every weekday morning by clicking here.
💰 Five crucial updates for Thursday
- The NBA is conducting an investigation into the Clippers for potential salary cap violations. Kawhi Leonard has accumulated nearly $250 million during his six seasons in Los Angeles. Speculation suggests additional financial transactions may be occurring discreetly. A report by Pablo Torre alleges that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer facilitated a $28 million “phantom” endorsement for Leonard, seemingly to bypass NBA salary restrictions.
- Red Sox rookie standout Roman Anthony will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. Following an oblique strain, Anthony is projected to be unavailable until the postseason commences. Since his promotion in June, Anthony has recorded a batting average of .292, an on-base percentage of .396, and a slugging percentage of .463, with eight home runs and 32 RBIs. Boston’s ascent in the AL East standings has encountered a significant setback.
- The updated CBS Sports 136 rankings have been released, with LSU experiencing a notable climb. This surge is likely attributed to their season-opening road victory in (the alternate) Death Valley. The Tigers improved from No. 9 to No. 2, but the outlook wasn’t as favorable for everyone. Alabama’s 18-point drop was arguably justified.
- Naomi Osaka advances to the US Open semifinals, maintaining her flawless Grand Slam record. With her triumph over Karolína Muchová, Osaka’s record in quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches at Grand Slam tournaments remains unblemished at 13-0. Osaka’s next opponent will be American Amanda Anisimova, a relatively unexpected contender, but more details will follow.
- Lamar Jackson claims the No. 1 spot in our NFL QB Power Rankings. Jackson edges out reigning MVP Josh Allen, and while their positions at the summit may not be surprising, the rankings from No. 3 onward are subject to considerable debate. Where does Super Bow LIX champion Jalen Hurts rank? What about three-time champion Patrick Mahomes?
🏈 Don’t overlook this: The NFL is BACK!
Getty Images
It’s unlikely you would miss the NFL’s return, but I wanted to ensure you’re aware. After what seemed like an exceptionally long offseason, genuine NFL action will grace our television screens tonight. The Eagles will commence their title defense as Super Bowl champions, and we’ll get our initial glimpse of the Cowboys in the era following Micah Parsons’ departure.
The Cowboys’ defense will undoubtedly feel the loss of Parsons leading up to this game — here’s how the situation reportedly could have been even worse — but they did receive some positive news. Star cornerback Trevon Diggs is cleared to play after undergoing knee surgery during the offseason; he will be crucial in containing A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys will introduce new starting running back Javonte Williams, who has garnered the confidence and support of his teammates throughout training camp. George Pickens is also a new addition to Dallas, and he aims to reverse the trend of underperforming former Steelers WRs.
Of course, tonight’s game serves as a prelude to a weekend brimming with football action. Pete Prisco has revealed his complete Week 1 predictions, including an upset in which the Raiders defeat the revamped Patriots in Foxborough.
- Prisco: “This will be a lengthy inaugural road trip for the Pete Carroll-led Raiders. The Patriots will also have Mike Vrabel making his coaching debut. The Patriots are expected to improve this season, but I anticipate Geno Smith will make enough plays to secure a late victory. Carroll will exact further revenge against the team that dismissed him.”
Prior to the Cowboys and Eagles taking the field tonight, fantasy football managers nationwide will be agonizing over their lineup decisions for the season’s opening weekend. Fortunately, our skilled team of fantasy analysts offers top-tier insights:
🎾 Anisimova stages remarkable upset against Swiatek at US Open
Getty Images
Barely two months ago, Iga Swiatek dominated Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon final, winning 6-0, 6-0. When the two faced off again in the US Open quarterfinals on Wednesday, Anisimova achieved a significant measure of redemption.
The match began inauspiciously for Anisimova as Swiatek secured an early break of serve. However, Anisimova remained unfazed and continued to compete. As the match progressed, Anisimova’s persistent play frustrated Swiatek, ultimately leading to a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
Anisimova’s win was far from a stroke of luck. The stats back up her exceptional performance, as noted by our own Brent Brookhouse:
- Brookhouse: “Anisimova secured four breaks compared to Swiatek’s two, with a 29-23 advantage in receiving points won. Another notable statistic for Anisimova was her 56% win percentage on her second serve, demonstrating greater consistency after her first serves compared to Swiatek, who won only 37% of her second serves.”
With Jessica Pegula also reaching the semifinals, this marks the third consecutive year that two American women have reached the semifinals at the US Open.
Follow all of our live US Open updates here.
🏆 The best (and not-so-best) of the rest
📺 What we’re watching Thursday
⚾ Phillies at Brewers, 4:10 p.m. on MLB Network
🎾 US Open, 7 p.m. on ESPN
🏀 Mercury at Mystics, 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video
⚾ Yankees at Astros, 7:40 p.m. on MLB Network
🏈 Cowboys at Eagles, 8:20 p.m. on NBC
🏀 Lynx at Aces, 10 p.m. on Prime Video
