NBA Cup drama, Rivers’ Colts comeback, Villa’s title surge, Ashes decisions…

As the NBA Cup semifinals loom in Las Vegas, The Athletic reports that many players relish the extra $500,000 prize and the novelty of a mid‑season trophy, while others view the tournament as a scheduling nuisance that disrupts rhythm. Coaches expressed mixed feelings, noting the “garish” courts add visual distraction but also boost fan engagement. The Athletic

The same The Athletic analysis highlights that the condensed group‑play format creates a “scheduling headache,” with games counting toward regular‑season records and travel to Las Vegas compressing rest days. The league’s attempt to mimic soccer’s mid‑season cups faces criticism for its impact on player workload. The Athletic

The Athletic details the surprising return of 44‑year‑old Philip Rivers, who has joined the Indianapolis Colts practice squad hoping to earn a roster spot for the final four games. The former Los Angeles Chargers star, now a high‑school coach, aims to provide veteran leadership as the team battles injuries. The Athletic

Also noted by The Athletic, the Colts now sit as the AFC’s No. 8 seed with a daunting slate that includes the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. Their strength of schedule (0.692) makes a playoff push increasingly precarious despite Rivers’ addition. The Athletic

BBC Sport credits Unai Emery’s perseverance and belief for Aston Villa’s surge from the bottom‑three to genuine title‑contender status within 11 weeks, underscoring a dramatic shift in Premier League dynamics. BBC Sport

In the lead‑up to the decisive third Ashes Test, BBC Sport outlines four pivotal choices for England, from bowling changes to batting order tweaks, that could determine the series outcome against Australia. BBC Sport

BBC Sport announces the six nominees for the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year: footballers Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly, rugby union star Ellie Kildunne, darts prodigy Luke Littler, golfer Rory McIlroy, and Formula 1 driver Lando Norris. The diverse field reflects a broad sporting excellence across the UK. BBC Sport

The BBC Sport weekly quiz challenges fans to recall when Mohamed Salah last scored for Liverpool, a reminder of his recent form and the club’s attacking narratives over the past week. BBC Sport