Playoff Countdown: Hawks Kuminga, Celtics Tatum, Bucks Giannis

With about 10 games left, teams are chasing short-term wins and long-term answers: lock playoff spots, evaluate rookies, settle contract questions and manage injuries. Big storylines include the Hawks deciding Jonathan Kuminga's future, the Celtics needing Jayson Tatum to ramp up, and the Bucks reportedly "want to shut down Giannis Antetokounmpo" as their season slides toward a high draft pick. Merlin sees this stretch as the forge of next season. Fringe teams should play their rookies to grow, contenders must choose rest or rhythm, and role players getting minutes now could become summer priorities. Small choices in March will echo through trades, extensions and the draft.