Matas

Buzelis

Buzelis has experienced an uptick in scoring opportunities over the last two weeks, averaging 13.1 field goals over his last seven contests, resulting in 17.0 points during that span. The 21-year-old forward remains a true work in progress, but he’s shown flashes of big-time scoring upside, while also chipping in a handful of rebounds and assists, which gives him immediate appeal in deeper fantasy formats.

Matching up with Cooper Flagg for the first time this season, Buzelis had a good night. However, it could have been much better for the second-year forward, who missed all five of his three-point attempts. As a result, Buzelis failed to record his third consecutive 20-point game. The most significant issue for Buzelis in fantasy basketball recently has been the foul line, where he has made 66.7 percent of his attempts over the past two weeks. He’s shooting 77.2 percent for the season, so there shouldn’t be too much concern about a player offering top-100 fantasy value.

Buzelis has now scored at least 20 points in three of his last four games. However, recent injuries to Josh Giddey and Coby White have not resulted in the forward having a higher fantasy ceiling. Over the past two weeks, Buzelis has only been a 12th-round player in eight-cat formats. Hopefully, Wednesday’s performance will be something for him to build on, especially the defensive numbers.

Buzelis was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier Wednesday, so the most recent status upgrade was expected. With Coby White and Josh Giddey out, there should be more opportunities for the second-year forward on the ball. However, given the Pistons’ strength and depth, Buzelis’ fantasy ceiling may not increase much.

Buzelis is dealing with an illness, but he’s expected to play through it against Detroit. He should handle his usual workload in Wednesday’s Central Division clash.

Buzelis most recently played 31 minutes in Monday’s loss to the Celtics. If he’s unable to play on Wednesday, Ayo Dosunmu or Coby White, who is also questionable, could be the choice to fill the resulting void. Dosunmu’s fantasy value has already been boosted due to Josh Giddey’s absence.

Buzelis somewhat predictably went off with Josh Giddey out of the lineup. It was his first game with at least 25 points since December 21 against the Hawks, when he had 28 points. Buzelis has produced ninth-round per game value this season. Buzelis will have a tough matchup Wednesday against the Pistons on the road.

Buzelis’ game Friday will undoubtedly be remembered for his dunk on Jalen Suggs midway through the second quarter. The 21-year-old forward threw down a one-handed jam on Suggs for a poster dunk. He also led the Bulls with 21 points and was just one rebound and three assists shy of a triple-double. Buzelis has produced eighth-round per game value over the last two weeks. The Bulls finish out the week on the second night of a back-to-back against the Hornets on Saturday.

Here’s an oversimplification: Defense was optional in a back-and-forth shootout that ended as the season’s highest-scoring game. Buzelis was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including four three-pointers, to finish the first half with a team-leading 14 points as both teams shot over 55 percent from the floor and scored a staggering 156 points combined. The 21-year-old playmaker knocked down a season-high seven three-pointers overall and eclipsed the 20-point mark for the second consecutive contest. He made just one of two free throws in the final seconds of regulation with Chicago leading by just a single point at the time, giving the Hawks a chance to tie or take the lead on the final possession. He remains a work in progress overall, but the significant scoring upside keeps him relevant in all fantasy formats until further notice. The Bulls are back in action on Tuesday with a rematch against the Hawks before squaring off against the 76ers and Bucks to close out a three-game week.

After totaling 18 points in his prior two appearances, Buzelis had one of his best games of the season on Friday. The 24 points were three shy of his season-high, with the second-year forward recording his sixth 20-point game of the season. By comparison, Buzelis scored 20 points or more in five games as a rookie. He’s making strides, but the scorers in the Bulls’ rotation may limit Buzelis’ fantasy ceiling. He’s one of the reasons why fantasy managers may be rooting for Chicago to move a veteran (or more) before the February trade deadline.