Ace

Bailey

In a return from a one-game absence with a right knee contusion, Bailey was able to stuff the stat sheet and record the first double-double of his career. Bailey has flashed plenty of upside and has continued to develop as the season has progressed. He won’t turn 20 until August and still has so much room for growth. Bailey may be an afterthought when compared to some of the other top rookies in this class, but he is still a valuable option in dynasty leagues.

Kyle Filipowski and Brice Sensabaugh are out for Friday’s game, freeing up spots in the starting lineup for Bailey and Hinson. The other change to the lineup is Chandler, who starts with Bez Mbeng coming off the bench.

Bailey is out due to a right knee contusion. His absence likely results in more minutes for John Konchar, who racked up five steals in Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. He doesn’t offer much as a scorer, but Konchar has been a solid source of steals when playing extended minutes.

Bailey has posted solid numbers as of late, but he’s likely to sit out against New Orleans, along with a number of his teammates. Bailey’s absence should mean more playing time for John Konchar.

Bailey has been providing plenty of offense recently for Utah, but if he is unavailable, there will be an open spot in the starting unit. John Konchar is the most likely candidate to slide into the starting lineup, and he has been productive when given the chance to start this year.

Friday’s 34-point defeat was nothing to celebrate for the Jazz, but Bailey’s continued production to close the regular season could serve as a bright spot. In 33 minutes, the rookie forward impressed as a scorer, shooting above 50.0 percent from the floor to finish as one of three Jazz players with at least 20 points. He was cold from beyond the arc for a second straight game. Yet, even as the three-point shooting has fluctuated, it’s still been a positive end of the season for Bailey.

Tshiebwe will get the start for the Jazz as they face a Nuggets team that’s getting healthy just in time for the postseason. Utah has lost its last six games, including a recent one to Denver. Filipowski and Bailey are the most likely players to provide fantasy value for the Jazz on Wednesday.

Bailey extended his streak of games in double figures to eight, scoring 19 points while shooting over 50 percent from the field. There weren’t any defensive stats to speak of, but the rookie did record a season-high five assists. That isn’t production fantasy managers can count on receiving consistently, but opportunities won’t be an issue for Bailey in Utah’s final three games of Week 23.

Bailey did not have a good night shooting the basketball, as he was 4-of-12 from two-point range and committed four turnovers. However, fantasy managers will be pleased with the rebounds and blocks. Over his last five games, the rookie has blocked 12 shots, providing value that some may not have anticipated. Since the All-Star break, Bailey has provided fifth-round value in eight-cat formats. As long as he is available, the rookie needs to be rostered in 12-team leagues.

Two nights removed from going off for a season-high 37 points, Bailey was held in check by the Wizards. The good news for fantasy managers was that his production was not limited to points, with Bailey recording solid numbers in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Given Utah’s priorities for the rest of the season, Ace is going to play plenty as long as he’s healthy. If Bailey is sitting on the waiver wire, add him.