The Chicago Bulls’ backcourt could be shorthanded when the team returns from the All-Star break on Thursday. PG Josh Giddey is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, leaving his status up in the air for Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors (8:00 p.m. ET).
Let’s take a look at the latest Josh Giddey injury update for Thursday vs. the Raptors, plus some key stats and PrizePicks picks for who could benefit if Giddey doesn’t play.
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Josh Giddey Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Raptors?
The Bulls officially listed Giddey as questionable for Thursday’s game with the left hamstring strain. Giddey initially suffered the injury in late December but returned to the lineup for a four-game stretch in late January before re-aggravating the same injury on January 28 against the Indiana Pacers.
Giddey missed Chicago’s last eight games before the break, but signs are pointing towards a return against Toronto. According to Chicago Sports Network’s K.C. Johnson, Giddey logged a full practice on Wednesday and stated that he expected to play on Thursday.
In 34 games, Giddey leads the Bulls in points (18.6) and assists (8.8) each night while also securing 8.6 rebounds per contest. The former first-round pick has connected on 36.6% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Bulls Player to Target if Giddey is Out vs. Raptors
If Giddey isn’t able to return to the lineup, F Matas Buzelis is a player who could thrive for the Bulls.
The Bulls were very active at the trade deadline, as the team traded the likes of G Coby White, G Ayo Dosunmu, and C Nikola Vucevic while acquiring G Anfernee Simons, G Collin Sexton, and G Tre Jones. Still, Buzelis remains a key piece within Chicago’s offense, especially when Giddey isn’t on the floor.
In 55 games this season, Buzelis has averaged 15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.1 APG while knocking down 37.2% of his attempts from deep. However, over his last five games, Buzelis has put together averages of 18.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 2.4 APG while shooting 44.7% (17-of-38) from beyond the arc.
Buzelis may not affect the game in quite as many areas as Giddey, but he’s extremely dangerous. The Bulls' young wing is a crafty scorer who has logged at least 18 points in four of his last five.
Perhaps the most impressive jump has been his 3-point shooting prowess. During the month of February, Buzelis has converted 39.5% of his long-range attempts on 7.2 shots per game.
According to databallr, Buzelis logs 21.4 true shot attempts per 100 possessions, ranking in the 85th percentile. He has the ability to make an impact on the perimeter but also has no problem putting the ball on the floor.
Matas Buzelis Stats, Projections vs. Raptors
Here are the most popular Matas Buzelis player picks for Raptors vs. Bulls tonight, via PrizePicks, where you can predict More or Less on player stats to earn real money.
- 14.5 Points
- 21.5 Pts + Rebs + Asts
- 19.5 Pts + Rebs
- 16.5 Pts + Asts
- 5 Rebounds
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Make Raptors vs. Bulls Picks on PrizePicks
The Bulls could be without the services of star PG Josh Giddey for Thursday’s contest against the Raptors. Even if Giddey doesn’t play, there are plenty of Bulls player picks to consider on PrizePicks, including ones for Buzelis.
Just pick at least two player stat projections, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you're right. With PrizePicks Team Picks, you can also make predictions on game winners, spreads, and over/unders.
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