The Los Angeles Lakers are poised for a deep playoff run but are still on the lookout for roster improvements. While they have established a competitive squad, addressing certain gaps is crucial for their championship aspirations. Key areas for enhancement include securing a starting-caliber defensive center and bolstering their backcourt and wing positions.

This offseason, the Lakers may consider trading for Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons. At 25 years old, Simons is showcasing a promising trajectory, averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game, with a respectable 36.3% shooting from beyond the arc. However, acquiring him could prove challenging due to his contract, which pays $27.68 million next season. The Lakers may need to part with valuable assets like Austin Reaves, which they have hesitated to do in previous trade talks. The potential pairing of Simons with stars like LeBron James could create a formidable offensive threat.

Anthony Davis has made a significant return to the Dallas Mavericks, providing a much-needed boost as the team navigates a challenging stretch filled with injuries. Davis, who suffered an adductor strain shortly after joining the Mavericks, played a key role in their recent victory against the Brooklyn Nets, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists in just 26.5 minutes of action. His return coincided with a time when the Mavericks were coping with numerous sidelined players, including Kyrie Irving and others.

Despite the team's recent struggles, with several losing streaks and injuries, Davis's determination to contribute was evident. He expressed a strong desire to return to the court, especially after witnessing his teammates' fatigue and resilience. The Mavericks are now focusing on regaining their health as they prepare for a postseason push, with Davis emphasizing that their potential hinges on their ability to get healthy.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced off against the Orlando Magic, succumbing to a 118-106 defeat, marking their third consecutive loss. Strikingly, after establishing a 60-51 lead in the second quarter, the Lakers fell victim to a 34-18 third quarter by the Magic, who capitalized on the Lakers' defensive lapses. Defensive struggles persisted, as the Lakers allowed Orlando to shoot 49.4% overall and 37.5% from three-point range, while their own shooting woes kept them at 31.3% from beyond the arc.

Bench scoring was another significant issue, with the Lakers' reserves contributing just 14 points compared to the Magic's 30. Notably, Dorian Finney-Smith made a decent offensive impact with 14 points but struggled to contain Orlando's star forwards, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 62 points. LeBron James, coming back from injury, managed 24 points but lacked his usual aggression. The Lakers' overall cohesion on both ends of the court remains a major concern as they continue their road trip.

Wednesday night features an exciting 11-game slate in the NBA, beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET on DraftKings. Key injuries are shaping the lineups, with the Grizzlies' Desmond Bane and the Knicks' Josh Hart emerging as top plays. Bane has demonstrated explosive scoring, averaging 49.6 DraftKings points across the last ten games without Ja Morant. Hart, filling in for Jalen Brunson, is also in a strong spot against the Spurs' porous defense.

DraftKings lineup construction will hinge on these players' performances, especially as more teams like the Lakers and Bulls are also dealing with injuries. Notable value plays from the night include Kyle Filipowski of the Jazz, stepping up in the absence of Walker Kessler, and Isaiah Joe from the Thunder, seizing opportunities with key teammates resting. Overall, tonight's slate is packed with potential for high-scoring matchups, making it essential for fantasy players to stay updated on injury news and optimal lineup strategies before tip-off.

In a thrilling comeback, the Portland Trail Blazers overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 105-102, snapping a five-game losing streak. Anfernee Simons led the way with 22 points, highlighted by a crucial 12 points in the fourth quarter, including six 3-pointers. Toumani Camara also made a significant impact, scoring 21 points and tying his career-high with five made threes. Deni Avdija contributed 19 points for the Raptors, while Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji each scored 19. Key moments included Portland's Matisse Thybulle making a game-saving block and Avdija's dunk that capped a 13-0 run.