The intensity escalated during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoff series between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks, characterized by numerous fouls and heated exchanges. Early on, a hard foul from Gary Trent Jr. on Pascal Siakam led to both players receiving technical fouls. As the game progressed, Kevin Porter Jr. of the Bucks was assessed a flagrant foul for grabbing Thomas Bryant's foot, allowing the Pacers to capitalize with a 4-point possession. In the last minutes, tensions flared again as Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard exchanged words, prompting officials to intervene. The aggressive atmosphere continued with a technical foul assessed to Siakam and Bobby Portis after a brief confrontation.

As the season draws to a close, several NBA teams shift their focus to developing younger players, providing opportunities for rising talents to shine. The Philadelphia 76ers have taken this approach seriously, with Jared Butler emerging as a promising backcourt option, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 assists over the last few weeks. Guerschon Yabusele has also shown significant improvement, contributing solidly to the frontcourt with consistent double-digit scoring. On the other hand, the Milwaukee Bucks are relying on their depth due to Damian Lillard's injury, with Kevin Porter and Ryan Rollins stepping up effectively. Additionally, players like Luke Kornet and Brice Sensabaugh are making their case for next season, while rookies like Adem Bona and Drew Timme are gaining traction in the fantasy landscape.

A thrilling matchup unfolded as the Boston Celtics faced the Los Angeles Clippers, with the Celtics emerging victorious in a tightly contested overtime showdown, winning 117-113. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White were all in the lineup for Boston, contributing significantly. The Clippers, however, were without four starters including James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Despite this, Derrick Jones Jr. led the Clippers with a season-high 29 points, showcasing his scoring prowess with four three-pointers. Kevin Porter Jr. impressed with 26 points, while Amir Coffey added 24 points, indicating that the Clippers’ bench players stepped up in the absence of their stars.

As Week 11 of the NBA season approaches, several teams face unique challenges due to player injuries and a favorable schedule. With only the Phoenix Suns playing two games, many players are poised to capitalize on increased opportunities. This analysis focuses on players with a start or roster rate of 50% or less in Yahoo leagues, aiming to assist fantasy managers in making tough start/sit decisions.

Among the guards, Christian Braun from the Denver Nuggets stands out as a strong start candidate, boasting a 37% start rate. He has been performing well, averaging 11.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game over his last 15 outings. Kevin Porter of the Los Angeles Clippers, with a mere 9% roster rate, is also highlighted as a start, having recovered from illness and contributing significantly in multiple categories.

On the flip side, Devin Booker of the Suns, with a 50% start rate, is advised to be benched due to his ongoing groin injury and limited game opportunities this week. For forwards, Rui Hachimura from the Los Angeles Lakers is recommended as a viable option with a 48% roster rate, while Jordan Clarkson from the Utah Jazz is also a strong start candidate with a 35% start rate.

Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers, despite his high roster percentage at 82%, may be a candidate to sit due to inconsistency and potential limited playing time. In the center position, Guerschon Yabusele of the Philadelphia 76ers and Trayce Jackson-Davis of the Golden State Warriors are highlighted as potential starters, while Jusuf Nurkic of the Suns is a clear sit due to suspension and declining performance.

The Los Angeles Clippers faced a tough challenge against the Houston Rockets, losing 117-106 despite a three-day break that was meant for recovery. Team leader James Harden and key player Amir Coffey were sidelined, leaving the Clippers without their second-leading scorer and a vital contributor.

Coach Tyronn Lue noted that Harden's groin tightness was not serious, but caution was necessary. The absence of Coffey, along with Derrick Jones due to hamstring soreness, further weakened the team. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with a double-double, but it wasn't enough to secure a win.