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.

John Wall, a former star for the Washington Wizards, grapples with the challenges of life in the NBA as he seeks a return to professional basketball. After battling injuries and personal struggles, including depression stemming from his mother's passing, Wall has been out of the league since 2022, last seen with the LA Clippers. Despite averaging double-digit points, his absence raises questions about his future in the sport.

Wall expresses a desire to return, admitting he has only a year or two left to make it happen. Meanwhile, he’s exploring broadcasting opportunities and eyes a potential future as a General Manager post-retirement. With the Wizards currently struggling, Wall's return could spark intrigue among fans.

On Saturday night, Nic Claxton showcased why the Brooklyn Nets invested heavily in him, contributing 16 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks, culminating in a buzzer-beater that secured a hard-fought 105-103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This win marked Brooklyn's first since the All-Star break, pushing their record to 7-2 in their last nine games. Cam Johnson led the team with 23 points, while Tyrese Maxey's 30-point performance for the 76ers nearly turned the tide.

Despite a commanding 17-point lead, the Nets faced a late-game challenge as Philadelphia's Quentin Grimes hit a crucial three-pointer to give his team a brief lead. However, Claxton's late-game heroics, including a pivotal offensive rebound, preserved the win for the Nets. The duo of Joel Embiid and Paul George struggled against Brooklyn's defense, combining for just 29 points, signifying a dominant defensive effort from the Nets as they inch closer to the play-in spots in the Eastern Conference.

The Los Angeles Clippers faced a setback following their three-game winning streak, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks as they kick off a challenging seven-game road trip. With new additions like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons, the team now grapples with injuries, most notably that of guard Norman Powell, who missed the last game. Compounding their woes, forward Kawhi Leonard is listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Indiana Pacers. Leonard, who had been sidelined for 34 games this season, showed promise, but fans express frustration over his ongoing injury situation, recognizing its potential impact on the team's playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference.

The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. However, the Clippers may face significant challenges as two of their key players, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, are marked as questionable on the NBA's official injury report. This news leaves the Clippers vulnerable as they head into the contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

With Leonard and Powell potentially sidelined, the Pacers could capitalize on this opportunity to secure a vital victory.