Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso was excellent in his team's Game 1 loss to the Pacers in the NBA Finals. While playing 28 minutes to lead the Thunder's second unit, he finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists. He would have been hailed as one of the heroes for the Thunder if the game hadn't gotten away from them in the closing minutes. Caruso's multi-faceted role will continue to be critical for the Thunder as they look to bounce back and win on Sunday to tie the series before it shifts to Indiana. Caruso's value on both ends of the floor is huge for OKC, so he should continue to log plenty of minutes off the bench.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace moved into the starting five in place of Isaiah Hartenstein for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, as the team went with a smaller look. Wallace played 33 minutes, compared to just 17 for Hartenstein, and finished with six points, two rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. He missed all three of his three-point attempts but still had a solid overall game since he got so many minutes. For DFS contests, Wallace will bring good value if he continues to start and play so many minutes, so keep an eye of if he gets the call again in Game 2 or if the team goes back to Hartenstein in the starting lineup.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Luguentz Dort finished with 15 points in Game 1 against the Pacers, finishing as the team's third-highest scorer behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. All 15 of his points came on three-pointers, as he went 5-for-9 from long range and also added four steals, four rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. His non-scoring numbers are always solid, but he'll be a key contributor for the Thunder and fantasy managers if he stays so involved in scoring as well. The 26-year-old has double-digit points in seven of his 17 games this postseason while averaging 8.2 points per contest.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 38 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but his Thunder couldn't hold on to defeat the Pacers. SGA missed a shot with 11.0 seconds remaining, and Tyrese Haliburton knocked down the game-winner to give the Pacers an upset, 111-110 victory on the road. It was another huge game for Gilgeous-Alexander, who has posted great numbers throughout the playoffs and added five rebounds, three assists, three steals and just two turnovers in his game-high 40 minutes. He and the Thunder will look to bounce back and level the series in Game 2, which is scheduled for Sunday night at the Paycom Center.

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith had 10 points and a team-high 12 rebounds in 31 minutes in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He was one of three Pacers with a double-double on the night, joining Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Nesmith knocked down three three-pointers and added an assist and a blocked shot while also finishing with five turnovers. Nesmith's supporting role will continue to be extremely important for the Pacers in the Finals, and it looks like he'll continue to get plenty of minutes and opportunities from his spot in the starting five.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Obi Toppin played an extremely important role off the bench for his squad in their Game 1 win over the Thunder in Oklahoma City. He knocked down five three-pointers and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists in his 25 minutes. He finished with the second-most points on the team and played the most minutes of any player in Indiana's second unit. Toppin hit multiple key three-pointers to keep the Pacers within striking distance, and ultimately, his team stormed back and took the lead on Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning jumper. Toppin is set to be a key piece off the bench for Indiana in the NBA Finals, and he'll look to help his team take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series on Sunday night.

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam scored a team-high 19 points on Thursday night to help the Pacers secure a road win in the first game of the NBA Finals. Siakam added 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double and also chipped in three assists and a blocked shot. Siakam led a balanced scoring attack that featured six players with double-digit points, but no one with 20 points or more. He led the team with 15 field goal attempts as well. After winning MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, the 31-year-old will continue to play a critical role for the Pacers as they look to claim the championship with three more wins. Siakam

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the hero once again for his team in a thrilling Game 1 victory in Oklahoma City. The Pacers trailed most of the game and by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but outscored the Thunder by ten points in that final quarter to claim a 111-110 win in the first game of the NBA Finals. Haliburton's game-winner with 0.4 seconds left gave him 14 points on the night to go with 10 rebounds, six assists, two three-pointers, and three turnovers. After seizing home court advantage, he and the Pacers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead on Sunday, when Game 2 is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (finger, knee) has received treatment for his bruised left knee and ligament damage in his left finger. It's unknown what kind of treatment KAT has received. It's also not clear if this will impact him heading into training camp. However, Towns was able to play through the ailments during the playoffs, so he'll likely be ready to go when the new season commences in October. The 29-year-old had an excellent campaign, his first in New York, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 42.0% shooting from downtown. Fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to the news, although some might question things if the team doesn't provide more clarity on Towns' condition during the offseason.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the New York Knicks reportedly made an offer for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant ahead of the trade deadline. Of course, that didn't happen. Still, with Durant not a lock to remain in Phoenix this offseason, it's possible both sides may revisit things. The 36-year-old is still playing at an All-Star level, finishing the 2024-25 campaign by averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an impressive 43.0% from behind the arc. This probably won't be the last time Durant's name is mentioned in the coming months. However, it's unknown how the Knicks would acquire the multi-time All-Star in a trade, although it's safe to assume Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns won't be included.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum will likely spend another campaign with the team. According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Clippers expect the French veteran to return for next season. Batum, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in December, has a $4.9 million player option for 2025-26. This season, Batum averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17.5 minutes. While his fantasy value is at an all-time low, the Clippers appear to value Batum's veteran presence highly and want to keep him around for a little longer. In a recent interview with BeIN Sports, Batum mentioned that "there's a very good chance" next season will be his last in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns point guard Tyus Jones may once again be on the move this offseason. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reports that the Sacramento Kings are keeping tabs on Jones, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Jones reportedly sacrificed money and term last summer to sign with the Suns in hopes of contending for a championship. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be completely different. He's had three teams in three seasons and seems poised to move on again. The 29-year-old appears to be a good fit for the Kings, who lost their point guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs midseason. Jones has provided solid value to fantasy managers, averaging 10-plus points for three consecutive seasons. He also recorded 2.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season, while shooting 41.4 percent from downtown on 5.0 attempts.

Houston Rockets forward/center Jeff Green will turn 39 in August but wants to play two more years in the NBA. "I want to play as long as I can," the veteran said on The Zach Lowe Show. "The goal is to get to 20 years, so two shy. Houston has been home for me for the last couple of years, and I want to keep it that way. Hopefully, we can make something work where I can retire there, whether it be 20 or 21 years. My wife says 20 and that's it. So, I think I know what that is. So, two more years it is." Considering he missed the entire 2011-12 campaign due to open-heart surgery, Green's longevity in the game has been remarkable. However, it's been a few years since he was a factor in fantasy basketball. In 2024-25, Green was limited to 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.4 minutes across 31 games.

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer, but the team is hoping to keep him around. Team sources have told The Athletic's Kelly Iko that Adams is seen as "the clear priority" amongst its unrestricted free agents this offseason. After missing the 2023-24 campaign due to a knee injury, Adams didn't play a lot during his comeback season, averaging 13.7 minutes across 58 outings, but he became a key piece for Houston late in the year. During the playoffs, Adams' playing time shot up to 22.1 minutes per game. According to Iko, the Rockets "are operating under the assumption Adams wants to return and will continue to speak with his representation about a possible extension." However, he also notes that Adams has plenty of interest around the league as an elite rebounder. Due to his health problems, Adams' fantasy value has deteriorated in recent years, but if he can stay healthy and log 20-plus minutes a night, the New Zealand big man might experience a renaissance in 2025-26.

Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet is expected to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season. League sources have told The Athletic's Kelly Iko that the likelihood of VanVleet playing for a different team next season is "slim." The 31-year-old has a $44.9 million player option for next season, but Iko points out that he could also negotiate a new deal with the Rockets at a lower, team-friendly salary. VanVleet's time in Houston has been marked by ups and downs. During his debut season last year, he achieved a career-high of 8.1 assists, but in 2024-25, his numbers declined across most categories, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He shot just 37.8 percent from the field, his lowest percentage since his rookie year in 2016-17. Fantasy managers will undoubtedly hope for a bounce-back year from VanVleet next season.

According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, "several executives" around the National Basketball Association believe Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis could be traded. The veteran is due to make nearly $31 million during the 2025-26 campaign. However, he's entering the final season of his current contract, so the franchise may look to move him while trying to avoid "massive tax implications." Porzingis played a significant role in helping the Celtics capture an NBA title. Unfortunately, he appeared in only 42 regular-season games in 2024-25 and was also limited by an illness during the playoffs. With that said, Porzingis is a productive fantasy option. However, his various health issues over the years will continue to negatively impact his fantasy value moving ahead.

According to New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, the organization intends to keep forward Zion Williamson on the roster. "I've had some really good conversations with Zion," said Dumars. "I've had some real honest conversations with him. We're going forward with Zion. He's going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward." A woman the former Blue Devil dated filed a lawsuit recently, alleging rape and abuse. But as far as his issues on the court, he has had trouble staying healthy, appearing in 30 games or fewer four times during his career, including missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. However, Williamson is as good as it gets when healthy, averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 214 regular-season contests. If he can remain off the injury report, he has All-Star upside. Still, fantasy managers who pick Williamson in drafts heading into the season will be taking a gamble based on his numerous ailments over the years.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. could be part of the regular rotation with the team next season. The 20-year-old was very little involved during his rookie campaign, playing a total of 181 minutes across 27 games and averaging 2.3 points. However, it looks like we may see a lot more of him in 2025-26. "He's 20 years old," a Western Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Athlon Sports. "He had a whole year where his development was thrown all out of whack. But he can defend the perimeter and he showed he can shoot the 3. If he can show that wasn't a fluke, he is going to start getting 10, 15 minutes a night because the team is going to feel like they can trust him. I think he is going to do all that. He is going to be a regular for them next year." Even if James carves out a regular role for himself next season, he is unlikely to make a significant impact in fantasy basketball.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum is scheduled to become a free agent, but there is a good chance he will stick around in Texas. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Exum and the Mavericks have "mutual interest" to work out a new deal. The Australian veteran is coming off a two-year, $6.15 million contract and has been linked with a move to newly-crowned EuroLeague champion Fenerbahce in Turkey. He may also attract other suitors in the NBA, considering Exum enjoyed a career year in 2024-25 with a scoring average of 9.1 points in 19.1 minutes. He shot an impressive 44.7 percent from three-point range and dished out 2.8 assists. With Kyrie Irving (knee) expected to be out until at least January, Exum could play a larger role in the Mavericks rotation if he signs a new deal with the team, enhancing his fantasy value.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Nickeil Alexander-Walker is seen as a potential target for the Orlando Magic this offseason. NBA insider Marc Stein has noted that Orlando "is a team to watch as a potential suitor" for Alexander-Walker, who is wrapping up a two-year, $9 million contract and will be an unrestricted free agent. Alexander-Walker is coming off a solid year with the Timberwolves, having averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 25.3 minutes off the bench. He shot 38.1 percent from downtown on 4.5 attempts and improved his stock during the playoffs with a couple of 20-point outings. The Magic were by far the worst three-point shooting team in the league this season, making Alexander-Walker a good fit for them. However, his move to Florida likely won't affect Alexander-Walker's fantasy value, since his role will probably remain the same as it has been with the Timberwolves.