Ignas

Brazdeikis

Brazdeikis, a second-round pick in the 2019 NBA Draft who spent this season playing for Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania), averaged 11.6 points per game in his first EuroLeague season. While there’s no word as to who else will participate in the minicamp, this represents an opportunity for Brazdeikis to earn another shot in the NBA. He appeared in a total of 64 games during his three NBA seasons, playing for the Knicks, 76ers, and Magic.

Brazdeikis, who left Lithuania for Canada at a young age, returns to his native country after playing three seasons in the NBA. Playing time should not be an issue for him with Zalgiris Kaunas, and Brazdeikis has also played for head coach Kazys Maksvytis at the international level. He’s guaranteed one year on his new contract, with an option for a second.

According to BasketNews, Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and Zalgiris Kaunas are the two squads the are bidding for the services of the Lithuanian guard. Brazdeikis averaged just 5.0 points to go with 1.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game in 42 appearances with the Magic this season. If he does find his way onto an NBA roster, it will not have an effect on fantasy basketball.

With Wagner ruled out, expect Ignas Brazdeikis to remain in the starting lineup. Wagner finishes his rookie season with averages of 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 stocks, and 1.2 triples across 79 games. He finishes his season ranked just outside of the top-100 in 9-cat formats and should be a popular late-round target in drafts ahead of the 2022-23 season. Even with the eventual return of Jonathan Isaac looming in the background, Wagner’s place in the Magic rotation appears to be safe.

He started the second half for Franz Wagner, who left early with a sprained right ankle and had his second-best game of the season. If Wagner is done IB is worth a look in most leagues. He’s quietly scored in double figures in five straight games but hasn’t blocked a shot since March 5. Robin Lopez had 11 points and four boards off the bench, Moe Wagner had 15 points and three 3-pointers, while RJ Hampton and Devin Cannady each scored 10 off the pine.

This was his best game since he scored 19 back on March 23 so it’s not unreasonable to think he wasn’t in lineups tonight. Franz Wagner went down with a right ankle injury which helped Okeke, while Ignas Brazdeikis went off for 20 points off the bench. Okeke’s worth a look if Wagner’s going to miss the rest of the season.

Wagner, who was coming off a sprained left ankle, injured his right during the first quarter. With Orlando only playing two more games this season, it’s possible that rookie will miss those as well. The eighth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Wagner has been a positive surprise for the rebuilding Magic. At a minimum, he should be a second-team All-Rookie selection once the media turns in those votes. Chuma Okeke and Ignas Brazdeikis will receive modest boosts in fantasy value with Wagner sidelined.

Schofield would’ve had a chance at some minutes if Franz Wagner was ruled out again. If Wagner doesn’t play, Ignas Brazdeikis should get another start.

If you’re into obscure ‘revenge game’ narratives, you likely thrilled to Brazdeikis’ first NBA start coming vs. his former team. Orlando didn’t have Franz Wagner (sprained left ankle) or Wendell Carter Jr. (sprained left wrist), so the frontcourt also featured Chuma Okeke and Mo Bamba. Necessity may inspire coach Jamahl Mosley to trot out the same frontcourt vs. the Cavs on Tuesday, which keeps Brazdeikis on the map as a streaming/DFS gamble.

There will be just one change to Orlando’s starting lineup, with Brazdeikis filling in for the injured Franz Wagner. Due to how shorthanded the Magic are he’s worth streaming, especially in deeper leagues. As for Anthony, he was originally listed as questionable for this one due to a sprained left toe. With that being the case, we may see a little more of Markelle Fultz as the Magic play out the string.