Matas

Buzelis

Buzelis turned his ankle in the second half. He seemed to be in pain and walked gingerly to the locker room before he was quickly ruled out with a right ankle sprain. With the Bulls closing out the season on Sunday against the Mavericks, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we’ve seen the last of Buzelis this season.

Buzelis is back, with his return pushing Patrick Williams to the bench. The other change to the lineup is Olbrich, who replaces the injured Guerschon Yabusele. With Yabusele and Nick Richards done for the season, Olbrich may also start Sunday’s game against the Mavericks.

Buzelis is back after sitting out Thursday’s win over the Wizards. His return likely means that Leonard Miller will come off the bench. However, those rostering Miller in active leagues should not be too concerned about his playing time.

Buzelis sat out Thursday, but he’s got a chance to take the floor for the second leg of the Bulls’ back-to-back set. If he’s ultimately ruled out, Leonard Miller should draw another start.

Buzelis will miss a third straight contest, which should mean another start for Leonard Miller. Miller has played well as a member of the first unit, and fantasy managers should continue streaming him as needed.

Buzelis will miss a second straight game, which means Leonard Miller should remain a starter once again. He recorded a double-double in 33 minutes on Sunday and should play a similar role against the tanking Wizards.

The Bulls will be without multiple starters for Sunday’s game, including Buzelis. His absence likely frees up a place in the starting lineup for Leonard Miller, who would be worth streaming.

Buzelis is a new addition to the Bulls’ already-crowded injury report. If he can’t play, Leonard Miller is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup. Miller would be worth streaming if allowed to start.

Despite the loss, Buzelis was one of several Bulls players to put up good individual stat lines against Indiana. He was one of the team’s better scorers, led the Bulls in assists, and finished just one rebound shy of collecting a double-double. Regardless of who else is on the floor with him, Buzelis has emerged as one of the Bulls’ more reliable offensive weapons down the stretch of the season. He can be counted on for fantasy production.

Buzelis had one of his most productive nights of the season, finishing one point shy of the first 30-point double-double of his career. Add in the assists, “stocks” and three-pointers, and fantasy managers rostering the second-year forward benefited immensely. The Bulls play four games in Week 23, but three are against teams headed for the postseason (San Antonio, New York and Phoenix). It will be a challenging week for Buzelis, but playing time and usage won’t be an issue.