Winners and losers of the LeBron James Sweepstakes - Yahoo Sports

The NBA doesn't crown a champion or hand out awards for preseason play, but dismissing exhibition games as meaningless is a mistake.

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer defends. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How can I not go with Auston Matthews after he's cashed this play for us in two straight games? He's clearly on another level now that he's healthy, and his shooting percentage (40%) is among the league's best on the man advantage. When Matthews is shooting, he's hitting twine - he has four goals across his last three games as a result. Let's pot one more against this stingy Islanders defense. I'm loving William Nylander's shot volume right now, as the Leafs winger has registered at least three shots on goal in four consecutive games. He's averaging 6.5 shot attempts per contest, the 23rd-highest mark in the NHL, giving us plenty of reason to believe his hot streak can continue. With the Islanders playing an undisciplined brand of hockey, watch for Willy on the power play to drive us over the line.

It’s been a while, but Gavin McKenna is trying to focus on his next shift. Luke Fox has more on how the 18-year-old is handling his benching in Thursday's loss to the Sabres.