The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for the 2025 NBA draft, holding the No. 3 pick, and they have a range of promising prospects on their radar. Notably, Duke guard Kon Knueppel has emerged as a strong candidate after an impressive freshman season averaging 14.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 40.6% from beyond the arc. He recently confirmed he will meet with the Sixers, but he won't participate in a workout, opting instead for a Zoom interview.

Knueppel's sharpshooting ability and strength make him a versatile option for Philadelphia. Concerns about his athleticism are present, but his offensive skills could make him a valuable asset, potentially fitting well into the Sixers' system. With other top prospects like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe also in consideration, the franchise has numerous avenues to explore as they look to bolster their roster.

Tamar Bates, former Mizzou standout, showcased his skills at the NBA Draft Combine after a stellar performance at the G League Elite Camp. Competing for Team Williams, Bates scored three points in 17 minutes during the first scrimmage but struggled with his shooting, going 1-of-6 from the field. His teammates included notable players like Ryan Nembhard and Grant Nelson, indicating the high level of competition he faced. Bates measured 6-foot-5 with a 6-10 wingspan, and his pre-draft stock is rising, potentially landing him in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

His shooting stats from last season at Missouri were impressive, nearing a rare 40-50-90 shooting benchmark. With his versatile skill set and solid performances in recent events, Bates is positioning himself as a potential pick for teams looking for emerging talent in the upcoming draft.

Kevin Garnett's words resonate as Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves recently faced a concerning ankle injury scare during Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. Edwards, who had been dealing with ankle issues since the series against the Lakers, went down after a collision. Although he returned to finish the game with 20 points, his injury raised questions among fans. Garnett emphasized the importance of Edwards maintaining consistent energy on the court to help the Timberwolves secure a championship run, particularly following his strong performances in earlier playoff games.

Edwards's health is crucial for Minnesota as they aim to regain their home-court advantage. With the Warriors already missing star player Stephen Curry, the Timberwolves cannot afford to lose their key player. The upcoming Game 3 will be pivotal, and Edwards's ability to perform will significantly influence the series outcome.

The Boston Celtics are poised to begin their playoff journey against the Orlando Magic, with the series opener set for April 20. Despite a rocky history in recent matchups, Boston enters as heavy favorites, largely due to their wealth of talent and experience. However, the Celtics face concerns over Jaylen Brown's knee injury, which could complicate their path. The Magic boast a strong defense but have struggled offensively, making them unpredictable. With young stars like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando is not to be underestimated, and the potential for an upset looms.

In a thrilling adjustment to their lineup, the Portland Trail Blazers are seeing promising contributions from rookie center Donovan Clingan. With Deandre Ayton sidelined for four weeks due to a calf strain, Clingan stepped up in a tough matchup against Nikola Jokic, producing a career-high 20 rebounds alongside 17 points and 3 blocks. His performance highlights his potential as a valuable fantasy asset, especially given his ability to contribute in key statistical categories.

Other players making waves include Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs, whose performance has improved since De’Aaron Fox's arrival. Castle's adaptability off the bench adds fantasy depth for managers. Meanwhile, Max Christie of the Dallas Mavericks is taking full advantage of his starting role, particularly during Anthony Davis's absence. The Kings' Keon Ellis also shone brightly with an impressive scoring outing, while Precious Achiuwa has filled in admirably for the Knicks, further enhancing his fantasy appeal. As the roster shakeups continue, players like Clingan and Castle could be smart pickups for fantasy managers looking to bolster their squads.