Cooper Flagg, projected as the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is leading Duke to the Final Four where they will face Houston. Flagg's impressive skills have drawn comparisons from NBA executives and scouts to notable players like Kawhi Leonard and Jayson Tatum, illustrating his defined role as a potential franchise player. His versatility and two-way capabilities, alongside a robust offensive game, are his standout traits.

Among the comparisons, Leonard is noted for his defensive prowess and scoring abilities, aligning with Flagg's skill set. The debate around Flagg's offensive ceiling is intriguing as scouts speculate whether he can evolve into a primary scoring option. Comparisons to Tatum reveal similarities in scoring and playmaking, suggesting Flagg's potential to contribute significantly right from his rookie season.

The NBA playoff race is heating up as teams scramble for seating in the final week of the regular season. In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks are on shaky ground as both prepare for potential play-in matchups. The Bulls, powered by Josh Giddey's playmaking, are on a positive trajectory but face the Miami Heat again, while the Hawks are struggling defensively against the Orlando Magic.

In the West, the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers are vying for playoff positions, with the Warriors also in the mix after a recent victory. Memphis needs to tighten up their ball control, especially Ja Morant, while the Clippers depend on Kawhi Leonard's continued health. The Minnesota Timberwolves, coming off a strong win, find themselves with a favorable schedule, giving them a solid chance to maintain their position.

The Los Angeles Clippers are in a playoff race, currently sitting in a precarious position as they seek to secure a top-six seed in the Western Conference. After a satisfying 114-98 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers maintained their place in the tightly contested race with other teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, each holding a 44-32 record. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of health and performance in these final games.

With only six regular-season games remaining, the Clippers' focus is on finishing strong without entering the play-in tournament. Key players, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, contributed significantly to the recent victory, with Leonard scoring 28 points and Harden achieving a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, highlighting their potential in the upcoming playoff scenarios.

The Los Angeles Clippers are in a tight race for a top-six seed in the Western Conference, currently holding the No. 7 spot. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and health as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament. Their recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans showcased a balanced offensive effort, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 28 points and James Harden contributing a double-double. The Clippers face competition from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies, all tied in record, making every remaining game crucial as the regular season winds down.

Pascal Siakam reflects on his time with the Toronto Raptors, expressing a newfound appreciation for his accomplishments after being traded. Siakam, who was part of the legendary 'Bench Mob' and stepped up during the Raptors' championship run in 2019, remembers his incredible performance in Game 1 of the Finals, where he scored 32 points. He acknowledges that, at the time, he took the success for granted, thinking the team would repeat their triumphs. However, following challenging seasons and a mid-season trade to the Indiana Pacers, he has come to value that championship run deeply and emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus and consistency as the Pacers look to replicate that winning mentality.