The NBA's return from the All-Star break brings significant fantasy implications, particularly with Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Bobby Portis is also suspended for 25 games, creating availability challenges for fantasy managers in Week 17. Notably, low-rostered players such as Jeremy Sochan, Payton Pritchard, and Santi Aldama are highlighted as top priority adds ahead of the upcoming week.

Pritchard has shown consistency for the Boston Celtics, recently scoring 28 points in a game against the 76ers, while Aldama has been a reliable contributor for the Memphis Grizzlies. Sochan, stepping up in his role, demonstrated potential with solid stats following Wembanyama's injury. Other players like Max Christie and Stephon Castle are also emerging as valuable pickups with their recent performances.

Jayson Tatum shone brightly with a stellar 40-point performance, leading the Boston Celtics to a dominant 131-104 victory over the New York Knicks. The Celtics, bouncing back from a previous loss to Dallas, have now won five out of their last six games, solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Payton Pritchard contributed significantly off the bench, adding 25 points, while Derrick White supported the effort with 17 points, including a pivotal third-quarter surge. Despite Jalen Brunson's 36 points for the Knicks, the team struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the early stages, missing their first ten shots and falling behind early.

The New York Knicks faced a tough loss against the Boston Celtics, ending the night with a 131-104 score at Madison Square Garden. Jayson Tatum took charge for Boston, scoring a staggering 40 points, including seven three-pointers. The Celtics started strong, with a combined 18 points from Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the first quarter, while the Knicks struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 7-of-25 in the opening frame.

Despite an improved performance in the second half, where Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, New York couldn't maintain momentum. Payton Pritchard's contribution off the bench (25 points) further solidified Boston's command. The Knicks now look to regroup before their next game against the Indiana Pacers.

Klay Thompson scored 25 points and led the Dallas Mavericks to a 127-120 victory over the Boston Celtics in a thrilling rematch of the NBA Finals. With Anthony Davis sidelined due to an abdominal strain, the Mavericks showcased their depth, with Spencer Dinwiddie adding 22 points off the bench.

Despite trailing by as much as 27 points, the Celtics rallied late in the game. Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, matched Thompson's 25 points while Jayson Tatum contributed 17. Payton Pritchard led the bench scoring with 21 points, spearheading a late-game surge.

2025 has proven challenging for the Boston Celtics, who currently sit at 9-6 this month, maintaining only a slim lead over the New York Knicks for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite this inconsistency, the Celtics remain a top contender for the NBA championship, showcasing their immense talent.

Jaylen Brown, a key player for the Celtics, has highlighted the contributions of Payton Pritchard, advocating for his recognition as a candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Brown emphasized Pritchard's role as a consistent scoring option off the bench, noting his ability to stretch defenses and energize the team. Pritchard has averaged 14 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season, making a strong case for his candidacy in a competitive field that includes players like Bennedict Mathurin.