The Portland Trail Blazers wrapped up the 2024-25 NBA season with a 36-46 record, finishing 12th in the Western Conference. Despite low expectations, the team ignited hopes of a Play-In spot with a winning streak before the trade deadline, but ultimately fell short. The front office opted not to trade any veterans, focusing instead on player development. Deni Avdija shone as a fantasy standout, averaging 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds, while Toumani Camara emerged as a valuable asset with solid defensive and offensive contributions.

However, Jerami Grant's disappointing performance raised concerns, especially as younger players began to emerge. Deandre Ayton faced injury issues, limiting his impact, while Anfernee Simons showcased better availability this season. With the offseason approaching, the future roster dynamics remain uncertain as the Blazers continue their rebuild.

The waiver wire is crucial in fantasy basketball, offering opportunities to pick up players who can significantly impact your team. This season, several players with an ADP outside the top 130 emerged as valuable assets. Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks, with a preseason ADP of 136, showcased remarkable talent, ranking 14th overall with averages of 14.1 points and a historic 229 steals. Christian Braun, starting for the Denver Nuggets, improved throughout the season, finishing with 15.4 points per game and a final month rank of 41.

Kelly Oubre of the Philadelphia 76ers had a rollercoaster season, affected by injuries but managing a solid 15.1 points when healthy. Jaden McDaniels displayed flashes of brilliance for the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Tari Eason from the Houston Rockets began slowly but became a potential draft target next season. Adem Bona and Toumani Camara both found their footing late in the season, suggesting they could be valuable picks as well.

The Denver Nuggets are poised for a dramatic offseason after a disappointing season that saw them clean house by firing head coach Michael Malone. Star player Nikola Jokic faced unprecedented challenges as he received minimal support from coaching staff and teammates, which raises questions about the team's direction moving forward. With significant contracts tied to players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., the pressure mounts for the front office to orchestrate major trades and revamp the roster. The search for a new head coach and general manager is critical as the Nuggets aim to build a more competitive squad around Jokic.

In a separate discussion, Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara shines as one of the league's top defenders, showcasing his growth and contribution to the team. He emphasizes the importance of stepping up defensively and the responsibility of players to embrace their roles, especially in the high-stakes environment of playoff contention.

This week in the NBA is crucial for fantasy managers as Championship Week rolls in, featuring a plethora of games that can impact playoff seeding and lottery odds. Keep a keen eye on low-rostered players, particularly those with under 50% ownership who can provide significant value. Portland's Toumani Camara, shooting 47.8% since the All-Star break, should be on your radar as he continues to contribute to a faltering Trail Blazers team. Similarly, with Ja Morant sidelined, Memphis' Scotty Pippen Jr. has seized the opportunity, providing top-10 value in short formats.

Philadelphia’s Justin Edwards and San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson are also players worth monitoring due to their consistent performances. Edwards’ minutes have increased significantly, while Johnson has shown reliable scoring and rebounding. Additionally, Utah's Kyle Filipowski and Philadelphia’s Guerschon Yabusele are making strides, showcasing their potential to help fantasy squads this week. With strategic additions from these low-rostered players, managers can bolster their teams for the final push towards championships.

Fantasy managers are in a crucial phase as the regular season nears its end, where every stat can impact championship standings. Players like Justin Edwards of the Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as strong additions in scoring, averaging nearly 19 points and hitting 3 three-pointers per game as the team deals with injuries to key players. Yves Missi offers rebounding help with solid numbers for the New Orleans Pelicans, while Isaiah Collier is a prime target for assists with a notable average of 7.7 assists per game for the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Malik Beasley is proving valuable in three-point shooting for the Detroit Pistons, and Toumani Camara is a sneaky pick for steals on the Portland Trail Blazers. Lastly, Donovan Clingan is stepping up in blocks as he gets more minutes in the absence of teammates.