Bitcoin price analysis: BTC close to a bottom in price, but bulls will have to be patient

CoinDesk

by Stephen Alpher

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin appears to be nearing a price bottom, according to prominent analyst James Check, but patience will be key for bulls looking for recovery. While Bitcoin is exhibiting characteristics of a textbook "bottom formation" across various indicators, Check emphasizes that time—not price—will likely prove more challenging for those holding long positions. He notes that every mean reversion model, from technical to on-chain data, currently points to Bitcoin being in a de-risked position, historically seen after significant price capitulation events like those in December 2018 and June 2022. Check highlights that Bitcoin's current setup resembles past scenarios where the asset bottomed out weeks or months before major price lows. For instance, during the brutal 2022 bear market, Bitcoin reached its low at $15,600 in December but had already stabilized earlier at around $17,600. This suggests that while further declines are possible, the current environment is more about waiting for stability rather than chasing lower prices. The analyst advises against being swayed by short-term price movements and encourages accumulating Bitcoin through strategies like dollar-cost averaging (DCA) or stacking "sats" (Bitcoin's smallest unit). He warns that models may eventually prove incorrect, but the current setup strongly suggests a de-risked position for Bitcoin. Check's advice aligns with his previous cautionary warnings about speculative investments in Bitcoin treasury companies. For crypto enthusiasts and investors, this analysis underscores the importance of understanding market timing and patience during volatile periods. While the allure of "buy low" opportunities is strong, Check's insights remind readers that recovery often requires waiting out market cycles rather than trying to predict exact price points. This makes accumulating Bitcoin strategically a potentially rewarding long-term approach for those willing to exercise patience in an unpredictable market.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/24/2026