Ace

Bailey

Bailey got off to a hot start to this game, scoring 21 points in the first half, which led to him setting new career highs for both points and three-pointers. The rookie is starting to figure things out offensively, but he has also made more of a defensive impact recently, with this being his sixth straight game with at least one steal. With Utah missing multiple stars, Bailey should continue to be a focal point on offense, which should hopefully lead to more outings like this one.

Bailey has reached double figures in 10 of his last 11 games, providing solid offensive value as the Jazz play out the rest of the regular season. For the sake of his future value in category leagues, the hope is that he’ll be able to do a bit more in categories beyond points, rebounds, and three-pointers as he gains more experience. The Jazz hit the road for their final three games of Week 19, starting with the 76ers on Wednesday.

Bailey didn’t have a good night shooting the basketball, but he was impactful in other ways. The rookie wing was active on the glass, grabbing eight rebounds for the fourth time in his last seven games. Also, Bailey matched his season-high with three blocks, hitting that number for the third time this season. Rostered in 34 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bailey has provided tenth-round value in eight-cat formats since the All-Star break, according to Basketball Monster. He’s one player whose opportunities should not decrease between now and the end of the fantasy season, making Ace a worthwhile target for the silly season.

After being held to four points in Monday’s loss, Bailey got back on track in this one. This was the second-highest scoring outing of his career, surpassed only by his 25-point game against the Spurs last month. With Lauri Markkanen (hip) set to miss at least two weeks, Bailey should be the focal point of the offense for Utah, which should lead to more outings like this one.

Rostered in 35 percent of Yahoo! leagues, Bailey has been a 10th-round player in eight- and nine-cat formats over the past month, according to Basketball Monster. The rookie has been a consistent scorer, hitting double figures in 16 of his last 19 appearances. The production outside of points and rebounds can be limited at times, but Bailey is making strides after struggling to begin his rookie campaign.

Playing in his home state of Georgia for the first time as an NBA player, Bailey put up 20 points and a complete stat line. While the shooting efficiency was lacking, his getting up 26 shots and logging 40 minutes may be a sign of what’s to come if the Jazz shut down their vets later this season. For those who can afford to take a hit in the field-goal percentage category, Bailey is worth picking up. The Jazz end Week 16 on Saturday against the Jazz.

While Bailey did score 20 points in Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers, he offered nothing else on the stat line. That wasn’t the case on Wednesday, as the rookie once again shot the ball well but supplemented that with solid rebound, assist and steal numbers. Bailey’s production in the “other” categories is something to watch, as he has the potential to be a silly season standout.

Bailey was able to score at least 20 points for the third time in his last four games. Unfortunately, even if it was an efficient night, he didn’t provide value in any other categories. Bailey should have more big scoring nights as the season progresses, but his value in category leagues will be dependent on how much he can contribute in other areas. Still, the minutes should be there, and he has had success on offense. He’ll look to stay hot against the Warriors on Wednesday.

One game removed from recording his fourth 20-point game of the season, Bailey enjoyed the most productive night of his rookie campaign on Thursday. The 25 points are a new high for the lottery pick, who was also productive on the glass. Of course, category league managers would like to see some defensive production from Bailey, but he’s taking steps in the right direction.

Thursday’s game will be Markkanen’s sixth missed game due to illness. With Ace Bailey returning to action on the same night as Markkanen’s first missed game, Cody Williams has been able to stay in the starting lineup. That said, there’s little need to consider rostering Williams in most redraft leagues.