NBA Player News

Buzelis finished with a complete stat line, and his increased blocked shot production has given his fantasy value a nice boost. Over the past two weeks, the second-year forward has averaged 2.1 rejections per game, which has factored into Buzelis being a third-round player in eight-cat formats. One could argue that the final two months will be a good time for the Bulls to determine if Buzelis can be a focal point moving forward. If they choose to evaluate him through that lens, it should ensure that he plays plenty the rest of the way.

Due to a strained right calf, Smith missed the Bulls’ final three games before the All-Star break. If he’s able to play on Thursday, that would likely mean fewer minutes for Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards. However, Smith is likely to be restricted in terms of playing time.

The timeline is still vague, but Herro’s return to practice should certainly encourage fantasy managers who have been waiting on him to get back on the court. Until Herro is available, Simone Fontecchio and Myron Gardner should continue to see increased run.

Due to a strained left hamstring, Jones has missed the Bulls’ last 11 games. If he remains out on Thursday, the Bulls will avoid having too much of a logjam to deal with on the perimeter. Jones has been most useful this season when given extended minutes due to an injury to another player.

It’s unclear what Kuminga’s role will be once he’s cleared to play, but fantasy managers will have to stash him in an IL spot until he’s back on the court. Due to his extensive time off, Kuminga will likely require time to ramp up.

Giddey has missed Chicago’s last eight games with a strained left hamstring. If he’s able to play on Thursday, the Bulls’ guard will likely be under a minutes restriction. Collin Sexton and Anfernee Simons were the starting guards for Chicago’s last game before the break, and Jaden Ivey has also made starts since joining the Bulls.

Young has no timetable to return, and it’s looking increasingly likely that he doesn’t touch the floor for Washington this season. Anthony Davis has already been shut down, and Washington has no reason to get Young on the court as the team looks for the most favorable position in the 2026 Draft Lottery.

Houstan has played well for the Hawks’ G League affiliate, and the two-way player has been rewarded with a standard deal for the rest of the 2025-26 campaign. He’s logged 4.9 minutes per game across 10 outings for the parent club, and fantasy managers shouldn’t expect a major boost in production. He can remain on the waiver wire.

Miller is enjoying a breakout campaign, and he could see increased run down the final stretch of the season with James Harden traded to Cleveland. In 11 games with at least 25 minutes this season, Miller has averaged 14.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.5 triples.

Shams notes that “recent tests showed that he requires additional time and rehabilitation for soreness in his left high ankle sprain. The Magic will evaluate Wagner’s progress in three weeks.” With the NBA and fantasy basketball seasons drawing to a close, a three-week timeline for re-evaluation puts serious doubt on Wagner’s availability after he is cleared and begins ramping back up. This is a massive blow for Orlando and Wagner’s fantasy managers. Anthony Black should continue to soak up minutes, and he should be rostered everywhere. Black has made the most of his new opportunities and is enjoying a breakout campaign.

According to Irving’s agent, “this is about Kyrie being 1000% when he comes back and giving himself the best chance to chase a championship next season.” Dallas is near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, and the team has no incentive to rush Irving back before he’s fully healthy. Fantasy managers holding out hope for an end-of-season return can finally drop him and free up a valuable IL spot.