The Philadelphia 76ers faced another setback, losing 119-102 to the Portland Trail Blazers. This defeat marked their 10th loss in 11 games, dropping them to 21-39 and 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, 2.5 games away from the Play-In Tournament spot. Injuries plagued the team, with key players Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. sidelined during the game. Maxey's injury was particularly concerning as he grimaced on the floor after a fall. Coach Nick Nurse stated that he will be evaluated further but is currently listed as day-to-day.

Despite the adversity, Andre Drummond stood out with 25 points and 18 rebounds, doing his best to keep the 76ers competitive. However, the Blazers outscored them significantly in the third quarter, ultimately sealing Philadelphia's fate. As the team prepares for a crucial matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, their path to the playoffs looks increasingly challenging amidst mounting injuries.

Success in fantasy basketball hinges on astutely navigating the waiver wire. The dynamic nature of the season—with injuries, trades, and rotation changes—makes it imperative to identify valuable players on the free agency market. This weekly guide aims to spotlight players at each position who are widely available in ESPN leagues, focusing on those who can provide substantial stats and diverse contributions.

Keyonte George of the Utah Jazz is a standout option for point guard, showcasing versatility as a combo guard and playmaker. For deeper leagues, Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers is gaining offensive responsibility, while Davion Mitchell's new starting role with the Miami Heat highlights his potential for assists and steals.

Among shooting guards, Donte DiVincenzo is emerging as a defensive asset and offensive contributor with the Timberwolves. Shaedon Sharpe's highlight-reel dunks and increasing offensive production make him enticing, while Quentin Grimes of the 76ers capitalizes on increased opportunities due to injuries in his team's lineup.

The forward position sees Bol Bol of the Suns being utilized for his rebounding and rim protection, while Kyle Filipowski is being given the chance to shine for the Jazz. At center, Zach Collins’ dual-role play for the Bulls makes him a must-add, especially for those in need of rebounds and assists.

Kevin Huerter made a significant impact in his first start for the Chicago Bulls, scoring 23 points and hitting seven three-pointers against the 76ers. With Lonzo Ball sidelined due to injury, Huerter played 34 minutes and has been a strong contributor, especially post-All-Star break. Zach Collins also stepped up, scoring 19 points while filling in for Nikola Vucevic and Jalen Smith. Chicago's current push for the 10th seed in the East may rely heavily on these players as injuries mount.

In addition to Huerter and Collins, fantasy managers should consider a few other players to bolster their rosters. Andre Drummond could see increased playing time with Joel Embiid's uncertain status, while Kris Dunn remains a prime source of steals for the Clippers. With “silly season” on the horizon, players like Ziaire Williams and Kyshawn George are also worth a look for their consistent contributions.

Justin Edwards has made a notable transition from a two-way contract to a full-time deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, securing a standard NBA contract that includes a team option for the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-6 forward, originally signed after going undrafted, has impressed by averaging 8.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. His performance has included a career-high 25 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing his potential and confidence.

Edwards' journey includes a standout high school career at Imhotep Charter, where he led the team to a state championship, as well as a mixed freshman year at Kentucky. The Sixers have expressed interest in a longer-term commitment with Edwards this offseason, indicating their belief in his ability to contribute at the NBA level.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a significant move by trading for Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, aiming to enhance their championship aspirations alongside LeBron James. Following this acquisition, attention shifted towards acquiring a veteran big man. Initially, Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers was a target, but recent reports indicate the Lakers are set to bring in Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, trading away Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.

Drummond, once a prominent player with the Pistons and a brief stint with the Lakers, has struggled with injuries this season. Despite his challenges, he remains a low-cost option for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt. The Lakers' potential move for Williams suggests a strategic shift away from pursuing Drummond, highlighting their focus on immediate support for their stars.