The Indiana Pacers opted to hold on to their roster during the trade deadline, despite speculation about acquiring star players. Myles Turner, who is set to become a free agent, was again at the center of trade rumors, but the Pacers made only a minor move, trading James Wiseman to the Toronto Raptors for a heavily protected second-round pick.

Wiseman, who has a torn Achilles, has already been waived and won’t contribute this season. The Pacers believe their current roster is capable of success, evidenced by the best record in the league since January 1st. They are counting on Aaron Nesmith’s return for defensive strength as they prepare for the playoff run. The team's future cap situation also played a role in their decision to remain steady.

In a thrilling showdown, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 127-114 victory over the Houston Rockets, scoring 41 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists. Edwards showcased his skills, beginning with an explosive first quarter where he netted 18 points and maintaining momentum into the fourth with another 16.

The Timberwolves flipped the game in the critical final quarter, outscoring the Rockets 35-16. Edwards' pivotal moment came late when he converted a tough jumper and sank a three-pointer that sealed the lead for Minnesota. Rudy Gobert contributed significantly with impactful plays, while Jaylen Clark and Naz Reid also made noteworthy contributions for the Wolves. Houston's Jalen Green led his team with 28 points, but the Rockets succumbed to their fifth consecutive loss.

The Indiana Pacers prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers with aspirations of securing their fifth consecutive win. Sitting at the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana aims to improve their record to 29-20, hoping to extend their season-high lead above .500 by nine games. Despite a rocky start to the season, the Pacers have regained their form, winning six of their last seven games.

Key to their success is the availability of Aaron Nesmith, who, after recovering from an ankle injury, has contributed significantly, including a strong performance against the Utah Jazz where he scored 13 points and had seven rebounds. The Pacers, now healthy, look to capitalize on their momentum despite the challenge posed by the improved Blazers.

The NBA trade deadline approaches as February begins, prompting fantasy basketball managers to analyze their rosters meticulously. Waiver wire activity is crucial, especially given that many leagues impose weekly or seasonal limits on transactions. The strategy should be aggressive but calculated, focusing on maximizing lineup potential weekly, particularly in head-to-head formats. Key players to consider for standard leagues include Nikola Jovic of the Miami Heat, who continues to demonstrate his value despite competition for minutes; Toumani Camara, who is emerging as a reliable contributor for the Portland Trail Blazers; and Guerschon Yabusele, stepping up as a center for the Philadelphia 76ers amid injuries to others.

For deeper league formats, Duncan Robinson's consistent three-point shooting for the Heat and Ty Jerome's recent scoring exploits for the Cleveland Cavaliers make them attractive picks. Harrison Barnes and Bruce Brown also offer solid contributions, each capable of filling various statistical needs. As fantasy playoffs loom, diligence in monitoring player performances and adapting strategies will be key to capturing championships in the coming months.

In a thrilling matchup, the Houston Rockets edged out the Cleveland Cavaliers 135-131, marking their second victory over the Eastern Conference leaders in just four days. Amen Thompson delivered an impressive triple-double, contributing 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Alperen Sengun and Jeff Green each scored 26 points. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with a stellar 39 points, but the team suffered their third consecutive loss, falling behind Oklahoma City in the standings. The game was defined by a late surge from the Rockets, who outscored the Cavaliers 10-2 in the final moments to seal their triumph.

The Rockets showcased a dominant performance in the paint, particularly from their centers, who combined for 40 points and 12 rebounds against Cleveland's frontcourt. Despite the Cavaliers' strong home record, their inefficacy, especially from Donovan Mitchell, proved costly. Mitchell's struggles, including a missed potential game-tying three-pointer, underscored Cleveland's difficulties in the clutch.