The conclusion of the NBA regular season has provided a showcase for rookie talents, making it an exciting time for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Among the notable performances is Zach Edey of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who stands at 7-foot-4 and has averaged an impressive 15.6 rebounds per game in limited minutes. His size alone is a boon, but his positioning and tenacity elevate his potential for future seasons.

Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs has also made a name for himself, benefiting from Victor Wembanyama's absence. Castle, a versatile guard/wing, showcases potential as a key player moving forward, though his scoring efficiency remains a concern. Meanwhile, Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls is surprising many with his improved shooting, contributing to his overall scoring ability. These rookies, along with others like Kyle Filipowski and Zaccharie Risacher, are establishing themselves as players to watch as they transition to their second seasons.

The Chicago Bulls concluded the 2024-25 regular season with a 122-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, but the win felt more like a footnote in an otherwise forgettable season. Despite a complete roster overhaul, the Bulls finished with the same 39-43 record and ninth place in the Eastern Conference as last year. Major changes included trading Zach LaVine and other key players, signaling the end of an era. New additions like Josh Giddey showed promise, with impressive stats post-trade deadline, although questions linger about his consistency and health heading into the playoffs. Rookie Matas Buzelis emerged as a key player, showcasing defensive skills and offensive creativity that could shape the team's future.

While younger players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu developed significantly, the Bulls missed opportunities to prioritize drafting talent, choosing instead to remain competitive. The return of Lonzo Ball created excitement, but his injury history raises doubts about his future as a cornerstone player. As the Bulls prepare for the play-in tournament against the Miami Heat, they must grapple with the reality that mediocrity might be too easy to achieve in a less competitive Eastern Conference.

As the NBA season draws to a close, teams face the challenge of strategizing for their final games. With many resting players, identifying key categories to target is critical for fantasy basketball managers. This article highlights five players available in fewer than 50% of Yahoo leagues who could turn your season around in these closing weeks.

Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks returns from suspension and is likely to see substantial playing time as the Bucks secure a playoff berth. His performance could be enhanced if stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo rest. Matas Buzelis from the Chicago Bulls shines with his all-around contributions, offering solid points, rebounds, and defensive stats. Adem Bona of the Philadelphia 76ers has emerged as a top contributor, with potential for high block numbers. Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings benefits from increased minutes with Malik Monk sidelined, focusing primarily on his defensive abilities. Lastly, Justin Champagnie of the Washington Wizards, despite the team's struggles, is stepping up with increased minutes and scoring. Each of these players presents an opportunity to maximize fantasy points down the stretch.

The Chicago Bulls clinched a crucial victory over the Miami Heat with a 119-111 win, solidifying their position for the play-in tournament as the No. 9 seed. Matas Buzelis played a pivotal role, scoring critical baskets that helped extend their lead in a tense final stretch. Despite a missed opportunity from Tyler Herro, the Bulls maintained their momentum through strong performances from Josh Giddey, who recorded a triple-double, and Kevin Huerter, who hit key three-pointers. With the playoffs approaching, the Bulls aim for a final two wins to potentially rise to No. 8 and secure a more favorable playoff matchup.