Jalen Green showcased his scoring prowess in the Houston Rockets' eighth consecutive victory, a decisive 116-108 triumph over the Orlando Magic. With 26 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 44 percent shooting, Green's performance has been central to the Rockets' success. Currently ranked second in the Western Conference, Houston now stands at 45-25, marking their best record since April 2019. Alperen Sengun added 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Tari Eason contributed 16 points and 9 rebounds, solidifying Houston's offensive depth. Despite a tough night from beyond the arc, the team made a remarkable 90.6 percent of their free throws, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities.

Head coach Ime Udoka highlighted the importance of their free-throw accuracy, stressing the need for continual improvement as they prepare for the playoffs. Meanwhile, with Jalen Green averaging an impressive 27.2 points in recent games, the Rockets are positioned well for a playoff run. The Magic, who are fighting for a play-in spot, had notable performances from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner but fell short against the Rockets' tenacity. Houston's next challenge will be against the Miami Heat, a pivotal matchup as they aim to extend their winning streak.

Maximizing your fantasy basketball success hinges on effective waiver wire strategies. The ongoing season's unpredictability—marked by injuries and rotation changes—demands that fantasy managers stay vigilant. Players such as Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies, emerging under Ja Morant's shadow, hold strong potential with impressive assists and steals. Similarly, New York Knicks' Miles McBride has stepped up in Jalen Brunson's absence, showcasing valuable three-pointers and playmaking abilities.

Specialists also emerge as key pickups, with Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers leading in three-point production. Meanwhile, players like Kyshawn George of the Washington Wizards and Moses Moody of the Golden State Warriors are gaining traction, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. This in-depth exploration highlights players poised to elevate fantasy teams, encouraging managers to leverage free agency for optimal performance.

As the fantasy basketball season approaches its climax, Week 22 presents an ideal opportunity with several teams playing four games. Injuries have paved the way for under-the-radar players to step up, making it critical to assess start and sit options wisely. With many key stars sidelined, fantasy managers can take advantage of players with sub-50% roster rates.

Miles McBride and Tre Jones are poised to shine this week, benefitting from expanded roles. McBride has thrived during Jalen Brunson's absence, providing solid scoring and playmaking for the New York Knicks. Meanwhile, Jones has solidified his starting role for the Chicago Bulls, showing strong production across multiple categories. Conversely, Bradley Beal's hamstring injury puts his availability in jeopardy, making him a candidate for the bench.

For forwards, Tari Eason is a promising start following his recovery, while Shaedon Sharpe has consistently performed well for the Portland Trail Blazers. Centers Alex Sarr and Donovan Clingan also emerge as viable options, having recently showcased their potential. It's pivotal to navigate this week's matchups thoughtfully as the season nears its conclusion.

Tari Eason is making a significant impact for the Houston Rockets after returning from injury, showcasing elite offensive skills. He scored a career-high 30 points in a dominant win over the Dallas Mavericks, contributing to the Rockets' impressive five-game winning streak. Eason's shooting efficiency has skyrocketed since mid-January, with 50.2% overall and 39.2% on 3-pointers. His strong all-around game is a crucial factor in the Rockets potentially clinching a playoff spot for the first time since the 2019-20 season. This resurgence has energized the team and fans alike, highlighting Eason's growth as a player.