According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Rockets are "less likely" to pursue a trade for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant. ESPN's Shams Charania reported KD to Houston could be a possibility. However, the Stein Line has reported that a move between the clubs isn't expected since Durant "is not on the same timeline as Houston's promising young core." The multi-time All-Star is due to make north of $50 million in 2025-26, so a swap between the Rockets and Suns presumably would need to involve a few top-tier players. At any rate, Durant likely won't be in Phoenix next season. But no matter where he ends up, he should remain a top-15 fantasy option heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen would like to remain with the club. "Definitely," said Markkanen when asked if he wants to stay in Utah. "I love being in Utah." He also won't be phased by anticipated trade rumors this offseason. "We'll see what happens in summer, there's things you can't control, but I love being here and working out with the guys that we have and building this thing." The 27-year-old had a down season from a production standpoint in 2024-25, averaging 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 34.6% shooting from behind the arc. He was also limited to 47 games. However, with the Jazz finishing the 2024-25 campaign with one of the worst records in the National Basketball Association, it's safe to say he could have played more had the team stayed competitive. No matter where Markkanen ends up next season, he has All-Star potential. Still, he's the best player in Utah, so he'll likely be the most productive by staying with the Jazz. Markkanen agreed to a four-year, $220 million extension last offseason, potentially keeping him on the roster through 2028-29.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (calf) looks poised to return from a one-game absence on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks, as the team has not included him on the injury report. Mathurin was unavailable last Sunday for Indiana's regular-season finale against the Cleveland Cavaliers, sitting out the action due to a left calf injury. Indiana will need all the firepower it can get to take down Giannis Antetokounmpo's crew, and Mathurin is expected to provide bench scoring in the matchup. The 22-year-old averaged 16.1 points during the regular season, but his output fell to 14.7 points after he was moved to the second unit following the All-Star break.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam (elbow) will be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. The Cameroonian star played in only two of the last five regular-season games while managing a right elbow injury. It appears that Siakam is back at 100 percent before the start of the postseason, as the team has not included him on its injury report. Siakam averaged 20.2 points per game with a career-high 38.9 percent three-point shooting during the regular season. He even improved his productivity in meetings with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, posting 24.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (back) has been officially cleared for Saturday's postseason opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. The star guard has been nursing a back issue lately, sitting out the last two regular-season games, but the team has not listed him on the injury report for Saturday. In his last appearance against the Bucks, Haliburton cooked up a nice 24-point, 15-assist double-double. For the season, he has registered 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 10.3 assists, and 2.0 steals in the meetings between the Central Division rivals.