Matas

Buzelis

Buzelis surpassed 30 points for the first time on Saturday, doing so on a night when the Bulls scored a season-high 146. Rostered in 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Matas is ranked outside the top 150 in eight- and nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. However, his place within the Bulls’ rotation makes him worth the risk in deep leagues. Fantasy managers would be in a better place with Buzelis if he provided more in the assist and defensive categories. Still, there’s no denying that the rookie has made strides in his development.

Buzelis finished Monday’s victory one rebound shy of a double-double and one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since the All-Star break, the Bulls rookie is ranked outside the top 150 in eight-cat formats. However, the opportunity makes Buzelis worth the risk in deep leagues, especially with Patrick Williams unavailable. Chicago plays three more games during Week 20, starting with the Suns on Wednesday.

Ball has missed two straight games while Williams has missed seven. Tre Jones will get a chance at a spot start if Ball can’t. Matas Buzelis can keep playing freely if Williams continues to miss time.

Buzelis’ fantasy value hasn’t been the best recently, with the rookie providing 14th-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats since the All-Star break. However, as a starter, he’s well-positioned to have nights like Tuesday. Buzelis was productive in the points, rebounds and assists categories and played 31 minutes. For managers in deep leagues needing a player whose availability won’t be a concern down the stretch, Buzelis is worth a look.

Buzelis had a good afternoon in Indianapolis, even if the Bulls took home the defeat. The rookie forward recorded a complete stat line, and he’ll have added value with Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) ruled out for the rest of the season. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has provided 14th-round value in eight- and nine-cat formats. That isn’t groundbreaking, but the role makes Matas worth rostering in deep leagues, at a minimum.

Williams has been out since February 12 with a case of right quad tendinitis, receiving a PRP injection on February 20. The Bulls end their Week 18 schedule with games in Orlando (Thursday) and Miami (Saturday), and the hope is Williams will be available then. Matas Buzelis has been a starter since February 5, and Williams’ availability is not likely to change that.

For just the second time this season, Buzelis surpassed 30 minutes on Monday. The 36 minutes were a season-high for the rookie, who finished Monday’s rout one steal shy of a complete stat line. Buzelis didn’t have his best night shooting the basketball, but his playing time down the stretch will be more important for fantasy managers. Matas’ “silly season” value will increase if he consistently surpasses 30 minutes.

Buzelis got off to an excellent start on Saturday, shooting 4-of-5 from the field and tallying 10 points, three rebounds, one blocked shot and two three-pointers in seven first-quarter minutes. Unfortunately, the rookie could not do much in the final three periods, and the solid play of Kevin Huerter may have been a factor. “Red Velvet” played 30 minutes off the bench, tallying 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and four three-pointers. While there’s nothing wrong with Buzelis and the other Bulls youngsters having to earn their minutes, days like Saturday are a concern for fantasy managers hoping to see a lot of him and Julian Phillips (nine points, three rebounds, one assist, two steals, one block and three three-pointers in 24 minutes) the rest of the way.

Lonzo missed Chicago’s final four games before the All-Star break, but he will be back in the starting lineup against New York. However, Buzelis will remain in the starting unit, which will push Ayo Dosunmu to the bench. Dosunmu will still play a significant role, but his upside will be limited as a reserve.

Ball is back after sitting out Chicago’s last four games before the break due to an illness. Rookie Matas Buzelis started those games in place of Lonzo, so he’s the player most likely headed to the bench if Billy Donovan decides to change the lineup. If not, Ball will have a solid role off the bench.