The Phoenix Suns concluded the 2024-25 NBA season with a disappointing 36-46 record, landing them 11th in the Western Conference and marking their first playoff absence in four years. Despite having a star-studded trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the team struggled with glaring weaknesses, finishing with a defensive rating of 117.7, the 27th in the league. Their offensive rating of 114.7 was only slightly better, ranking 13th.

Booker and Durant posted decent individual numbers, but the overall team performance was a disaster, leading to the departure of head coach Mike Budenholzer after just one season. With multiple stars but no first-round pick until 2032, the Suns face a challenging offseason ahead. Booker achieved a career-high in assists, averaging 7.1 per game, but saw a dip in points per game and field goal percentage. Meanwhile, Dunn emerged as a potential future asset, showcasing his all-around skills despite inconsistency. Beal’s struggles were notable, as he averaged only 17.0 points, his lowest since 2014-15. Moving forward, the Suns must navigate significant roster changes to find a way back to contention.

As the fantasy basketball season intensifies, many managers find themselves in a race for valuable players. With limited moves available, streaming options are crucial. Rostered in under 50% of leagues, players like Scotty Pippen Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies and Gary Trent Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks are making waves. Pippen, thriving in Ja Morant's absence, averages 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.2 assists over his last six games. Similarly, Trent has stepped up significantly following Damian Lillard's indefinite absence, averaging 14.9 points with solid contributions in steals and three-pointers.

Completing the list are Kevin Porter Jr., Orlando Robinson, Ryan Dunn, and Jordan Hawkins. Porter, a risqué pick, offers high upside despite inconsistency, while Robinson is starting to find his footing as the Raptors close out the season. Dunn's recent surge for the Suns is noteworthy, and Hawkins has emerged as a scoring threat for a struggling Pelicans team. As the postseason approaches, these players could prove vital for your fantasy roster.

This week, fantasy basketball managers need to focus on maximizing player transactions and strategic streaming as playoff season intensifies. With games more evenly distributed, targeting players who are involved in multiple games within a short span can yield great dividends. Key players to consider adding include Justin Edwards of the Philadelphia 76ers, who has been outstanding with consistent scoring and a significant role in the team's lineup. Spencer Dinwiddie of the Dallas Mavericks is also a must-add, showing impressive form and a chance at high fantasy points given the injuries in the Mavs' backcourt.

Other players to keep an eye on include Ryan Dunn from the Phoenix Suns, whose performances are rising with increased minutes as the team vies for a playoff spot. Meanwhile, early-week streamers like Max Christie and Andrew Nembhard are appealing options due to their teams' busy schedules. Managers should also be cautious of teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards, whose unpredictable rotations might hinder their fringe players' value.

Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a resounding 129-89 victory over the Toronto Raptors, scoring 27 points, including a remarkable surge in the second quarter. Despite being without Bradley Beal, sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the Suns showcased their depth with seven players scoring in double figures. The team flipped a first-quarter deficit into a substantial halftime lead, outscoring Toronto 39-11 in the second period. Ryan Dunn contributed 17 points, while Kevin Durant added 14 points. For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led with 16 points amid the absence of key players due to injury and rest.

Oso Ighodaro has stepped up impressively for the Suns as Mason Plumlee faced consecutive ejections, showcasing his strong potential in the NBA. In a recent matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Ighodaro scored 11 points, pulled down six rebounds, and recorded a career-high four blocks in just 32 minutes of play. This performance helped the Suns to snap a two-game losing streak, enhancing their chances in the play-in tournament.

With Plumlee's ejections, Ighodaro embraced the 'next-man-up' mentality, showing readiness and energy when called upon. His ability to capitalize on increased playing time demonstrates his importance to the team's depth as they strive for playoff positioning. Fellow rookie Ryan Dunn also contributed significantly, scoring 16 points and adding youthful energy which has been crucial during this stretch.