The Dallas Mavericks faced a tumultuous 2024-2025 season, transitioning from an NBA Finals appearance to an injury-ridden campaign. Key player Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL, which significantly impacted his performance, averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before his injury. Despite a late push, the Mavericks secured a place in the play-in tournament but fell short of the playoffs, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Looking ahead, several Mavericks, including Irving, are in pivotal contract situations. Irving holds a player option worth over $43 million for the 2025-26 season, while Dwight Powell, who has been with the team since 2014, also has a player option. Unrestricted free agents Dante Exum and Spencer Dinwiddie played key roles but may not return. Young talents like Brandon Williams and Kai Jones also face uncertain futures as they enter free agency. With potential roster changes looming, the Mavericks must strategize to rebound from last season's chaos.

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.

The final stretch of the 2024-25 NBA season is upon us, making streaming players more crucial than ever. For those in championship weeks or attempting to maximize roto points, consider targeting these seven players.

Pelle Larsson (Miami Heat) has stepped up in Andrew Wiggins' absence, averaging 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds across his starts. Kyle Filipowski (Utah Jazz) is also trending up, recording multiple double-doubles and significant scoring. Brice Sensabaugh (Utah Jazz), who recently transitioned to a starter role, has shown his potential with standout performances.

Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings) remains a viable option due to his starting position despite a recent lull. Gabe Vincent (Los Angeles Lakers) is on a scoring spree, making him a hot pickup as the Lakers approach a busy week. Dorian Finney-Smith (Lakers) has also been a surprise contributor recently. Lastly, Keon Johnson (Brooklyn Nets) is steadily performing, though his team has limited games this week. Monitor their matchups closely as you finalize your rosters.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reeling from a four-game losing streak, having recently faced the Denver Nuggets without their key players. LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes were all absent, leading to a small lineup that struggled defensively. With a record of 40-25, they now sit fifth in the Western Conference, two games behind the second-place Nuggets. The Lakers are set to face the Phoenix Suns next, and there's optimism as Doncic and Hayes are likely to return, which should strengthen their frontcourt.

In their last game against the Nuggets, the Lakers surrendered 131 points, highlighting the impact of their missing players. The upcoming back-to-back games at Crypto.com Arena present an opportunity for the team to recover, especially with Doncic's impressive scoring performance earlier this week. With players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent still questionable, the Lakers will need to navigate their injury woes carefully to regain momentum.

Week 19 of the NBA season is a pivotal time for fantasy basketball managers as playoffs are underway in many leagues. With injuries and resting players becoming more common, strategic roster management is crucial. This week’s waiver wire options are diverse and can provide valuable boosts. Players like Zach Collins and Naji Marshall are poised for increased roles, while Caris LeVert has become a key scorer for the Hawks. Managers should exploit daily lineup advantages to maximize games played.