Dallas is facing a significant setback as Kyrie Irving has been diagnosed with a torn ACL, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. This presents an opportunity for Spencer Dinwiddie, who is likely to become the Mavs' starting point guard. Currently only 22% rostered in Yahoo! leagues, Dinwiddie averages 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals over his 19 starts this season. He could fill the void left by Irving's absence and potentially aid fantasy teams struggling with injuries.

Elsewhere, Ja'Kobe Walter from the Toronto Raptors is stepping into the starting lineup in light of Gradey Dick's knee injury, showing promise with a strong performance in his debut. Atlanta's Caris LeVert, traded from Cleveland, is thriving with consistent scoring. Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers is proving to be a key asset, posting multiple 30-point games this season. In the frontcourt, Zach Collins and Kelly Olynyk are both capitalizing on injury situations, making them valuable additions for fantasy managers.

Week 20 presents an exciting opportunity for fantasy basketball players, with all teams slated for at least three games, many with four. The influx of late-season injuries and surprises makes for intriguing decisions. Players under 50% rostered in Yahoo leagues are highlighted as potential starts, with Malik Beasley of the Pistons and Donte DiVincenzo of the Timberwolves standing out. Both have shown recent form and could be crucial to fantasy lineups. On the other hand, Fred VanVleet of the Rockets is advised to sit, given his recent struggles and health concerns.

Forwards like Toumani Camara of the Trail Blazers and Quentin Grimes of the 76ers also enter the spotlight, with their rising roles due to teammates' absences. Camara is riding a career-high performance wave, while Grimes has showcased his scoring ability, making him a valuable asset. However, Andrew Wiggins' ongoing ankle issues raise a red flag for fantasy managers considering him.

In the center position, Santi Aldama of the Grizzlies and Kelly Olynyk of the Pelicans emerge as players to start, both having demonstrated solid contributions in recent games.

The New Orleans Pelicans are set to resume their season after the All-Star break with a challenging matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, who are currently grappling with injuries. The Pelicans, however, have faced an even tougher battle with significant player absences, including Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray. In a notable move, the Pelicans traded Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors ahead of the deadline, bringing in Kelly Olynyk, who will make his debut in the starting lineup. This marks Olynyk's seventh team in 12 NBA seasons, where he has been a reliable presence. With the Mavericks lacking size due to injuries to their frontcourt, Olynyk's addition enhances the Pelicans' height advantage, allowing them to capitalize on the paint.

The 2025 NBA trade deadline has concluded, marking an unprecedented week in the league's history with eight former All-Stars traded. Among those included are notable names like Jimmy Butler and Anthony Davis. While trades are paused until the summer, the upcoming buyout season promises continued player movement.

Several teams, including the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, face restrictions in signing players with salaries exceeding the mid-level exception. Players like Ben Simmons and Kelly Olynyk, both facing uncertain futures, could be prime buyout candidates as teams seek to adjust their rosters. Simmons remains a solid contributor, despite being in a challenging situation with the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, Olynyk’s shooting ability can attract interest from contenders.

The Toronto Raptors have made a significant move to expedite their rebuilding process by acquiring All-Star forward Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans just before the trade deadline. This deal sees the Raptors send Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2031 second-round pick to New Orleans. The 27-year-old Ingram, who has struggled with injuries, becomes a crucial addition alongside young talents like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. As Ingram's contract expires this summer, Raptors management must navigate potential contract negotiations while balancing financial considerations related to the luxury tax.

Ingram's career has been marred by injuries, limiting him to under 64 games in most seasons since his rookie year. This season, he played just 18 games for the Pelicans, averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. With the Raptors' current situation, they will need to consider how to best integrate Ingram into their lineup while also exploring further trade opportunities to strengthen their roster.