
"Just when I thought I was out...they pulled me back in." Bitadze has been ineffective since late January, scoring in double figures four times in 23 appearances. While Wednesday was a good night for Bitadze, fantasy managers should not overreact. Wendell Carter Jr. remains the starter, and he finished with four points, six rebounds and one blocked shot in 19 minutes. Neither Magic center should be rostered in most fantasy leagues.
Even with a fluctuating role that saw him spend a lot of time as both a starter and a reserve, WCJ hasn't been a great rebounder this season. However, he was able to record his ninth double-double of the season on Sunday. It was one of Carter Jr.'s best games on the glass, but he wasn't able to contribute much value in other categories. Unfortunately for fantasy managers that need him for the playoffs, Orlando only plays two games next week.
The Magic are without Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, opening up two spots in the starting lineup. Joseph and da Silva will fill the voids but offer limited streaming upside with Wagner and Banchero on the court.
WCJ will be remembered for his final touch of the game, but he should get credit for getting the Magic a final chance to tie or win the game. On Chicago's last possession, he knocked the ball away from Coby White and dove on the floor to cause a tie-up. He won the ensuing jump ball, setting the Magic up for at least one more shot. Paolo Banchero's go-ahead three was a miss. Carter Jr. corralled the rebound, but instead of tipping it in, he came down with it and then dunked it after time expired. It was a heartbreaking end to Orlando's fifth straight loss.
Anthony is back after a one-game absence, and his return will push Cory Joseph back to the bench. Joseph only contributed eight points and five assists in 26 minutes as a starter on Tuesday, and he won't hold any streaming value on Thursday.