Worth It: Jaguars (5-2) @ Ravens (4-4)

Thurs: 8:15 PM ET | 5:15 PM PT – Prime Video

The Jaguars look like they’re going to run away with the AFC South for a second straight season, while Baltimore’s campaign has turned into a disaster. The Ravens are without star quarterback Lamar Jackson and may be down to their third-stringer this week, making it incredibly challenging to keep up. Lots of Derrick Henry is their only option to try to slow things down.

Worth It - Virginia Tech (6-2) @ SMU (6-2)

Fri: 7:00 PM ET | 4:00 PM PT – ESPN

The season collapsed for SMU with Saturday’s loss to Syracuse. That means neither of these teams is legitimately in the running for the ACC Title or a College Football Playoff spot. But James Franklin has VA Tech bowl-eligible in his first season, entering a big road test.

Worth It: Nebraska (5-3) @ Illinois (5-3)

Fri: 8:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM PT – Fox

Nebraska seems to be turning a corner under Matt Rhule this season. The Cornhuskers now boast a solid offense and a top-10 defense with the possibility of finishing with their best record since 2014. But Illinois has found its stride in Big Ten play with three straight wins since a surprising loss to Purdue.

Worth It - Buffalo (5-3) @ Miami OH (5-3)

Tues: 8:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM PT – ESPN

Tuesday night MACtion is back! Buffalo and Miami (OH) will be the second game of the night. They’re both involved in a logjam for third place in the conference, and the winner strengthens its case.

Worth It: Oilers (11-2-2) @ Devils (9-5-0)

Tues: 7:30 PM ET | 4:30 PM PT – Disney+/ESPN+/Hulu

This is the marquee matchup of the week, featuring two teams with strong starts. Edmonton brings its high-powered offense and star power, while New Jersey has the speed and depth to make this a competitive Eastern-Western showdown. Expect plenty of scoring chances and an entertaining game.

Background TV: Sharks (7-7-1) @ Kings (4-7-2)

Wed: 10:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM PT – TNT/truTV

A California rivalry matchup that should bring some extra edge, even if neither team has hit top gear this season. The Kings will look to make home ice count, while San Jose will be keen to build momentum. A good one to keep on in the background.

Background TV: Sharks (7-7-1) @ Wild (10-3-3)

Fri: 8:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM PT - NHL Network

San Jose faces another tough test against a Minnesota team that has been one of the stronger sides early in the season. The Wild's solid start makes them favorites on paper, but the Sharks have shown they can be dangerous opponents. Worth keeping an eye on as the Sharks continue their road trip.

Must Watch: 76ers (6-1) @ Pistons (5-1)

Wed: 7:00 PM ET | 4:00 PM PT – ESPN

The Pistons have already gotten the better end against Philly once this season, and now the series moves to Detroit. Cade Cunningham has been great for the Pistons, but the consistent shooting of Duncan Robinson from three-point range made the difference in the first meeting.

Worth It: Mavericks (4-2) @ Spurs (4-2)

Wed: 9:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM PT – ESPN

Many are declaring the Mavericks back after a 4-2 start that includes knocking off OKC and Houston. Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving have gelled seamlessly for Dallas, but San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama is always a handful.

Worth It: 76ers (6-1) @ Cavaliers (4-2)

Fri: 7:30 PM ET | 4:30 PM PT – Prime Video

Cleveland is a bit of a forgotten team in the Eastern Conference, and this is its chance to remind fans early in the season. Only Philadelphia, Boston, and Detroit are off to better starts, and the Cavs have the depth to score with anybody.

Must Watch:  Men’s: No. 4 UConn (0-0) vs. No. 16 Michigan (0-0)

Fri: 8:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM PT – TNT

The only top-25 meeting of the opening week. This is a rematch of last season’s national title game, but several players are no longer available for either side. Braylon Mullins is the guy to watch for UConn, while reigning MOP Elliott Cadeau is the headliner for Michigan.

Worth It: Women’s: No. 2 UConn (0-0) @ No. 5 Michigan (0-0) 

Thurs: 6:30 PM ET | 3:30 PM PT - FS1

The same schools meet in a top-5 matchup on the women’s side. UConn’s reputation has been well-earned, while Michigan is looking to take that next step. This is the game that gives the Wolverines that chance.

Background TV: PGA - World Wide Technology Championship

Thurs-Sun: 3:00 PM ET | 12:00 PM PT – Golf Channel

The PGA heads to Mexico and a Tiger Woods-designed course, where it has been played since 2021 and has become known for tremendously good scores. No previous champion has shot worse than 23 under par, and last year’s winner Ben Griffin shot -29.

Background TV: LPGA - TOTO Japan Classic

Wed-Sat: 9:00 PM ET | 6:00 PM PT – Golf Channel

The only Japanese LPGA event is back. The last two have come down to playoff finishes.

Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Drafted: 2020, 21st overall

Big Honors: 2-time NBA All-Star

Where He’s From

Tyrese Maxey is from the DFW area, where he starred at South Garland High School. He became a 5-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American and won Texas’ Mr. Basketball award in 2019.

The Road to the Pros

Maxey played one season at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats to an SEC title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament while averaging 14 points per game with 4.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists. That particular NCAA Tournament was canceled due to COVID-19, and Maxey declared for the NBA Draft.

Career So Far

Maxey has spent his entire career in Philadelphia. He became a regular starter, when healthy, in Year 2 and has continued to build on his success each season. He’s just 26 years old, and has two All-Star nods. And is coming off of his first All-NBA season.

He’s no stranger to the spotlight or playing with fellow superstars, and he continues to make his presence greatly felt on the court.

Why Now

The 76ers are off to a great start and have a loaded roster after making some big moves in the offseason. Maxey could’ve easily been lost in the shuffle. Yet, he’s embraced it and become even better. Only Luka Doncic is averaging more points per game entering this week.

The Number

4 - consecutive seasons where Tyrese Maxey has averaged at least 20 points per game. He’s currently second in the NBA during the current campaign with a career-best 29.6 points per game.

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