As the fantasy basketball playoffs approach, strategic moves on the waiver wire can be pivotal. In Week 17, focus on key players who can bolster your roster for critical matchups. Ben Simmons is emerging as a valuable asset for the Los Angeles Clippers, logging significant minutes even with star players in the mix. For those in deeper leagues, keep an eye on emerging talents like Keldon Johnson and Matas Buzelis, who are increasingly seeing favorable playing time.

Wendell Carter Jr. continues to dominate the center position for the Orlando Magic, providing consistent rebounds that can help your team immensely. Jose Alvarado's playmaking ability for the New Orleans Pelicans remains underrated, making him a solid add given his potential for assists and steals. Make sure to take advantage of daily lineup changes to maximize your roster's performance leading into the playoffs.

The LA Clippers faced a disappointing loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, despite their newest player, Ben Simmons, showing promise with 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 20 minutes. The Clippers' offense thrived with Simmons, Kawhi Leonard, and Bogdan Bogdanović on the court, yet a fourth-quarter collapse cost them dearly. Critically, Ivica Zubac was not given a single shot attempt after scoring 20 points in three quarters, highlighting the team's mismanagement in crucial moments.

The LA Clippers fell to the Milwaukee Bucks 116-110, with Ben Simmons showcasing a mixed performance. Simmons managed six points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block while shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field in 20 minutes. His performance drew varied reactions on social media, with some criticizing his reluctance to attack the basket and others highlighting his contribution to the team's pace alongside Bogdan Bogdanovic. Simmons has averaged 6.4 points and 6.9 assists in his first two games with the Clippers, continuing the narrative of his inconsistent scoring.

Despite Simmons' near-perfect shooting, the Clippers struggled offensively, particularly in half-court sets, leading to their fifth seed status in the Western Conference. They will face the Indiana Pacers next, hoping to regain momentum.

Ben Simmons' time with the Brooklyn Nets has come to an end following the team's decision to buy out his contract. Acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 season, Simmons highlighted his tenure with inconsistent performances, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in the 2022-23 season while appearing in 42 games. His shooting percentage sat at 56.6%, but overall, the Nets have paid him over $124 million for just 90 games played across his three seasons.

Now, as he embarks on a new chapter with the LA Clippers, Simmons showed promising signs during his debut, contributing 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, the Nets struggle at the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 20-34 record, raising questions about their future direction.

Ben Simmons made a resounding statement in his Clippers debut, scoring 12 points, grabbing 8 rebounds, and dishing out 6 assists in only 27 minutes of play, shooting an impressive 80% from the field. His defensive prowess was also on display, recording 3 steals with zero turnovers. Simmons played a pivotal role in leading the Clippers back from a 20-point deficit against the Utah Jazz, showcasing his ability to impact the game positively despite his polarizing reputation.

Simmons emphasized his focus on taking it one play at a time, reflecting a mindset that has proven crucial for mental resilience in high-stakes games. The victory, especially before the All-Star break, holds significant importance as it helps the team maintain momentum, dispelling skeptics about his addition to the Clippers.