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.

Victor Wembanyama, the promising star for the San Antonio Spurs, faces an uphill battle as he is sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to deep vein thrombosis. The Spurs are also bracing for the absence of head coach Gregg Popovich, who is recovering from a mild stroke. While Wembanyama's emotional state seems stable, the team is exploring treatment options for the blood clot in his right shoulder, while still remaining hopeful for his long-term health.

In his 46 games this season, Wembanyama was on track to be a top contender for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league with an impressive average of 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. However, missing the rest of the season will disqualify him from any awards, sparking concern from fans about the team's future. Acting coach Mitch Johnson emphasizes the importance of continuing to progress despite these setbacks, rallying the team to support their injured superstar and coach.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is unlikely to return to the bench this season as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson has taken over as interim head coach. Despite the Spurs' struggles in the Western Conference, Popovich expressed gratitude for the community's support during his recovery and indicated a desire to coach again.

As Popovich focuses on rehabilitation, the Spurs face challenges on the court, including the absence of rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama due to deep vein thrombosis. With the team currently sitting in 12th place, playoff aspirations seem dim, potentially extending the franchise's playoff drought.

The San Antonio Spurs, a powerhouse in the NBA, enjoyed a remarkable run, securing five championships from 1999 to 2014 under coach Gregg Popovich. However, recent developments have cast uncertainty over the coach's future following reports of a mild stroke. At 76, Popovich is the league's oldest active coach, and his absence has allowed Mitch Johnson to step in as interim coach. With the Spurs now focusing on a younger roster featuring rising star Victor Wembanyama, questions loom about Popovich's potential retirement and the team's direction moving forward.

Gregg Popovich, the iconic coach of the San Antonio Spurs, is unlikely to return to the team this season as he recovers from a mild stroke suffered in November. The 76-year-old Hall of Famer, who holds the record for the most career wins in NBA history, has been a pivotal figure in the league, leading the Spurs to five championships and coaching the USA Basketball team to a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Though the Spurs initially reported that Popovich would make a full recovery, his future remains uncertain as he focuses on his health.