Wizards’ Jared Butler Shines Amid Injuries, Offers DFS Value

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jared Butler has emerged as a key player for the Washington Wizards in the absence of injured guards Jordan Poole and Malcolm Brogdon. On Tuesday, Butler contributed 14 points, five assists, one block, and one steal in 22 minutes during the Wizards’ 135-112 loss to the Houston Rockets. This performance follows a 17-point effort on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans, solidifying his role as a reliable option for fantasy basketball players.

With Poole sidelined due to a hip injury and Brogdon out with a foot issue, Butler has seized the opportunity to showcase his skills. The 24-year-old guard, who has averaged just 10.5 minutes per game this season, has seen increased playing time in the past two games, logging 20 and 22 minutes, respectively. His recent performances have made him a viable streaming option in fantasy leagues and a strong value play in daily fantasy sports (DFS).

Butler’s rise comes at a critical time for the Wizards, who are also monitoring rookie Bub Carrington‘s status due to a back injury. If Carrington is unable to play in Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Butler could see even more minutes and responsibilities. “Butler has made the most of his opportunities,” said a team insider. “He’s stepping up when the team needs him most.”

Fantasy analysts have taken note of Butler’s recent surge. “At his minimum salary, Butler offers tremendous upside,” said Zach Thompson, a DraftKings analyst. “With the potential for 20-plus minutes and his ability to contribute across multiple categories, he’s a must-consider option for DFS lineups.”

Butler’s performance has also highlighted the Wizards’ depth challenges. The team has struggled with injuries throughout the season, forcing head coach Brian Keefe to experiment with different lineups. Butler’s emergence provides a silver lining, offering hope for improved guard play in the short term.

As the Wizards prepare to face the 76ers, all eyes will be on Butler to see if he can continue his strong play. For fantasy managers, he represents a low-cost, high-reward option in a week filled with injuries and lineup uncertainties.