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.

Tobias Harris has reinvigorated his career after joining the Detroit Pistons, following a departure from the Philadelphia 76ers. Since signing a two-year deal, he has made a significant impact, boasting impressive stats, particularly with a February average of 18.4 points per game on 58% shooting. His seamless transition into the lineup has elevated the Pistons, propelling them from their previous season's struggles.

Harris is now among an elite group of players with a plus/minus of at least +200 alongside MVP contenders Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His strong performance, particularly in pivotal matchups, has positioned him as a central figure in the Pistons' quest for postseason success.

Rui Hachimura, the starting forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, exited the game against the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter due to an apparent injury. He was seen leaving the court in pain before heading straight to the bench and subsequently to the locker room, raising concerns about his condition and availability for upcoming games.

The Detroit Pistons made a significant offseason move by signing Tobias Harris to a two-year deal, marking his return to one of his former teams. Harris, who previously played for the Philadelphia 76ers, is now taking on a mentoring role for the young Pistons roster. While his primary focus is on leadership, he has been stepping up on the court, especially in the absence of Jaden Ivey, averaging nearly 18 points per game in February. After a slow start, Harris has found his rhythm, showcasing his scoring ability and becoming a key asset for Detroit as they aim for a playoff push.

The NBA slate for Tuesday features four games, promising a competitive atmosphere despite some expected mismatches. Key matchups include the Toronto Raptors at Philadelphia 76ers, with the latter favored by 8 points. Injury updates are crucial, particularly for Joel Embiid, who is questionable. If he misses, players like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George could see increased usage and scoring opportunities. Other injuries to monitor include RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl, which will influence team dynamics and player performance.

High-priced players this slate include Embiid, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey, each showing the potential for significant returns. Expect chalk plays from Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker, while players like Tobias Harris and Matas Buzelis represent key value options. Targeting underperforming defenses could yield fruitful results in fantasy leagues, particularly for forwards against the Bulls and Raptors.