Damian Lillard scores 15 first-half points vs. GSW

Despite Myles Turner not playing, Ware still came off the bench on Wednesday while Jericho Sims (three points, eight rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot) started. As he showed last season, Ware doesn’t need to start to provide quality fantasy value. However, it’s fair to wonder whether his playing time will increase after averaging 22.2 minutes per game in his first two NBA seasons.

Dieng was one of the Bucks whose role expanded considerably on Wednesday as multiple key players sat out. He capitalized on the opportunity, recording a double-double in 27 minutes. However, Dieng also committed four turnovers. Dieng showed flashes of solid fantasy value last season, but that was under a different head coach and on an injury-depleted roster. He’s worth rostering in dynasty leagues, but Dieng isn’t worth the risk in redraft leagues.

Buzelis led six Bulls in double figures on Wednesday, but his three-point shooting stood out. The third-year forward made five of seven attempts. Last season, Buzelis made at least five triples in six games, including a 7-of-8 in a December 21 win over the Hawks. He attempted 6.4 three-pointers per game last season but made just 34.9 percent. If Buzelis becomes a reliable perimeter shooter, his fantasy ceiling will rise considerably.

As the Bulls await Nic Claxton’s return from a hamstring injury he sustained early in training camp, Smith has filled the center spot. He isn’t a rugged big man, but “Stix” provided late-round value when healthy last season. He’s worth taking a flier on in drafts, especially since Claxton won’t be re-evaluated until just before the regular season starts.

With the Bulls playing their starters and the Bucks not, Wednesday’s game wasn’t particularly competitive. Powell didn’t do much beyond points and free throws, but there’s little to take away from this performance for his fantasy outlook. Powell can provide middle-round fantasy value in 12-team formats, but managers need the veteran guard to stay healthy to get full value from rostering him.

Shipped to Milwaukee after one season as part of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Jakučionis started Wednesday because the Bucks held out Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro and Kevin Porter Jr. The second-year guard had his moments, leading the Bucks in assists and making 11 free throws. However, Jakučionis also committed five turnovers, which isn’t surprising for a young guard who played limited minutes as a rookie. Given Milwaukee’s perimeter depth, Jakučionis may struggle to earn consistent minutes this season. While that makes him a non-factor in redraft leagues, he should be rostered in dynasty leagues.

While this is a classic MPJ stat line, Porter will continue to be one of the main focal points of the offense in Brooklyn. Julius Randle hasn’t supplanted Porter in the offensive hierarchy. If Porter continues to be healthy, he should be a very good contributor going forward.

If you bought low in dynasty leagues on Beringer before summer league, congratulations! He has the fantasy profile to be an impactful player in redraft and dynasty leagues going forward. If Gobert misses any time, Beringer becomes an immediate add. We might only be a year or two away before he’s a starter and putting up top 60 numbers at least.

It wasn’t the best game for Anthony Edwards, but he got to the line really well. The Timberwolves struggled in a 22 point loss to the Pistons. Edwards should bounce back and still be a target in the first round of redraft leagues.

The Suns were missing multiple key contributors on Wednesday, including Collin Gillespie, so Bouyea started at point guard. He had a productive night, dishing out eight assists with two turnovers, but that doesn’t change his fantasy outlook. You don’t need to consider drafting Bouyea, but injuries may make him worth streaming in the occasional game.