Fantasy basketball this past season was a rollercoaster of injuries, lineup shifts, and tanking strategies. A stark reminder emerged: investing in players from tanking teams often backfires. The New Orleans Pelicans suffered dramatically with key players like Zion Williamson missing extensive games, while the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards failed to produce reliable fantasy assets.

Managing depth proved crucial as injuries and DNPs wreaked havoc. Roster depth and making shrewd trades with underperforming players became essential. Avoiding disgruntled or injury-prone players like Joel Embiid and Kawhi Leonard was vital for maintaining a competitive edge. League commissioners faced challenges too, highlighting the need for proactive measures to manage player availability effectively.

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has instilled a new mantra in his young squad as they prepare for their first playoff appearance since 2020: "be dogs." This philosophy emphasizes physicality and connection on the court, reflecting Udoka's commitment to developing the team's youthful core, which averages roughly 21 years of age. Despite their relative inexperience, Udoka believes that youth should not be an excuse for a lack of performance. This season, the Rockets have made significant strides, achieving a .500 record, clinching a playoff berth, and winning the Southwest Division title.

During their recent 143-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, the team showcased their growth under Udoka's guidance. The Rockets have transformed dramatically, improving from a league-worst 22-60 record last season to a competitive 41-41 this year. Players like Jae'Sean Tate, who has seen the team through its rebuilding phases, noted the ease of adopting Udoka's efforts-driven approach. As the playoffs approach, maintaining momentum will be crucial, especially with five remaining games against playoff-bound teams.

NBA enthusiasts have plenty to keep an eye on with the latest betting odds and player prop bets shaping up for today's games. Karl-Anthony Towns is positioned for a strong performance, projected to score over 28.5 points against the New York Knicks, especially with teammates Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride unavailable, enhancing Towns' usage rate. Additionally, Jaren Jackson is anticipated to contribute defensively with over 2.5 steals plus blocks against the Utah Jazz, capitalizing on Utah's defensive struggles.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, favored by 9.5 points against the Sacramento Kings, should be keen to exploit the Kings' poor record on back-to-backs this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is set to shine with over 6.5 assists, having previously achieved this in matchups against the Kings. Meanwhile, DeAndre Hunter may also have an increased role with Donovan Mitchell sidelined, making his over 1.5 three-pointers made worth considering as he looks to continue his streak of solid scoring.

The Houston Rockets secured a narrow 100-96 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, thanks largely to Jalen Green's impressive 25-point performance.

Despite the Hawks initially taking control with a strong first quarter, the Rockets managed to claw back, led by Green's offensive surge in the second period. The Rockets outshot the Hawks but struggled with turnovers, allowing Atlanta to maintain a slim lead at halftime.

In a tense final quarter, Houston established a 16-point lead before Atlanta made a late push, but Alperen Sengun sealed the game with crucial free throws.

Reed Sheppard has made a notable impact in his first two games in the G-League, showcasing his scoring and playmaking abilities. In his debut, he scored 49 points, demonstrating his shooting prowess with eight three-pointers, complemented by six assists. His second outing saw him contribute 19 points along with seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals. This shift to the G-League has been beneficial for Sheppard, allowing him to regain his rhythm after a shaky start with the Houston Rockets.

While with the Rockets, Sheppard struggled to find consistent playing time and was averaging a modest 3.3 points in limited minutes. His transition to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers has rejuvenated his confidence, reminiscent of his successful Summer League performances. The Rockets, known for their depth, have several players, including Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, logging significant minutes, further complicating Sheppard's path to regular playing time.