Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers left the bench during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to illness. The Bucks were leading 61-59 at the half when Rivers decided to return to his office. Despite his absence, assistant coach Darvin Ham stepped in effectively to manage the team for the remainder of the game. Rivers monitored from a distance, and the team will provide updates on his health as needed.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently labeled the Oklahoma City Thunder as the 'best team on the planet right now' following their impressive win against his team. Carlisle's remarks come after a strong performance from the Thunder, a team that has quickly risen to prominence under head coach Mark Daigneault. The Thunder's adaptability was on display as they adjusted to a small-ball lineup amidst injuries, further demonstrating their offensive prowess. Carlisle praised the Thunder's numbers and record, underscoring their dominance in the current NBA landscape.

Daigneault, who has transformed from a rebuilding coach to a contender, reflected on his respect for Carlisle, highlighting his innovative approach to offense. The Thunder's recent victory over the Pacers showcased their ability to maintain momentum, and their current form suggests they are a legitimate championship contender. As the season progresses, the Thunder continue to solidify their status as a formidable force in the league.

Emerging talents in the NBA are making a significant impact as the season progresses. Toronto's Jared Rhoden, who was previously unrecognized in fantasy circles, delivered a standout performance with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals, solidifying his role in the lineup. Alongside him, AJ Lawson and Orlando Robinson also put forth impressive displays, making them potential assets for fantasy managers looking for last-minute additions. With key players like Jakob Poeltl limited and others sidelined, these young players are stepping up, offering valuable contributions during the critical playoff weeks.

In Houston, Tari Eason continues to impress, especially as he starts due to lineup changes. Caris LeVert's consistent performance with Atlanta further emphasizes the importance of monitoring player minutes and roles as the playoffs approach. Meanwhile, Portland's Scoot Henderson is showing his potential, making him a player to watch. Al Horford's resurgence in Boston reminds fantasy players of his veteran reliability, even as injuries affect the team's dynamics. As teams pivot for the playoffs, keeping an eye on these developments is crucial for optimizing fantasy lineups.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are shaking things up as they face the Portland Trail Blazers with a completely new starting lineup due to resting key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. This opens up intriguing opportunities for Thunder reserves in NBA DFS contests. With Aaron Wiggins averaging 17.8 points off the bench since February, he could become a key value pick. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are also affected by an injury to Jalen Brunson, which may lead to other players stepping up for DFS consideration.

On the advice of DFS expert Mike McClure, top picks for Friday include Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes, who has shown strong performances recently, averaging 19.3 points and 7.9 rebounds over his last eight games. Facing the Utah Jazz, whose defense ranks poorly, Barnes is primed for a breakout game. Another option is Charlotte Hornets’ Jusuf Nurkic, who could shine in the absence of Mark Williams. With the current injury landscape, value plays are crucial for crafting winning lineups.

The Boston Celtics face a formidable challenge in the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are rapidly emerging as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Following a comeback victory against Boston, the Cavaliers have demonstrated their ability to adapt and finish games in multiple ways, raising doubts about the Celtics' dominance. Cleveland's versatility, particularly with players like Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell stepping up in critical moments, highlights their depth. The addition of De'Andre Hunter has further enhanced their capabilities, providing flexibility to exploit Boston's inconsistencies. Meanwhile, the Celtics are grappling with health concerns and the need for consistent performances from their roster as they pursue another NBA title.