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Maxi Kleber Maxi Kleber (shoulder) good to go for Game 4
Tue, May 28, 2024, 10:55 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Maxi Kleber (right shoulder AC joint separation) is available for Tuesday's Game 4 against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Kleber has been out since May 3, when he logged five minutes in the closeout Game 6 victory over the Clippers. His return is timely, as Dereck Lively II is out on Tuesday due to a neck injury sustained in Game 3. |
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Obi Toppin Obi Toppin hits two 3-pointers, scores 12 points
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:44 PM
Obi Toppin logged 29 minutes in Monday's 105-102 loss to Boston, recording a stat line of 12 points (5-of-9 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers.
Analysis: Toppin reached double figures in three of the four games in the Eastern Conference Finals, combining with T.J. McConnell to provide solid production off the bench. Game 3 of the Pacers' first-round series against the Bucks is when the former lottery pick's output picked up, and the timing was good with Toppin set to be a restricted free agent this summer. Re-signing Pascal Siakam will be Indiana's top priority this offseason, so seeing where that leaves Toppin will be interesting. If he winds up in a spot where he can potentially start, that would boost his fantasy value. However, staying with the Pacers would be best in terms of the opportunity to win and potentially contend in the East. |
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T.J. McConnell T.J. McConnell records 15/5/4/1 line in Game 4
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:38 PM
T.J. McConnell finished Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics with 15 points (7-of-16 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 25 minutes.
Analysis: As in Game 3, McConnell increased his production with Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined. The veteran backup point guard has been a critical contributor for the Pacers the past two seasons. While that may not mean much regarding consistent fantasy value, McConnell is a player the Pacers value immensely. He's eligible for an extension this summer, but Indiana must also navigate Pascal Siakam's unrestricted free agency. As for McConnell's fantasy prospects, he's a player who's most valuable as a streamer if Haliburton or Andrew Nembhard is sidelined. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner (back) struggles in Game 4 defeat
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:32 PM
iPacers on Twitter
Myles Turner (lower back soreness) shot 2-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, accumulating eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers in 27 minutes.
Analysis: In addition to foul trouble, Turner had to deal with a lingering back issue that flared up after he took a shot during the first half of Monday's game. He made multiple trips back to the locker room to receive treatment, and the Pacers center could not offer much help to his teammates in Game 4. Monday's defeat is a brutal way for Turner's season to end, as he reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in his career. The Pacers center finished the season ranked just outside the top 50, a bit disappointing given the Yahoo ADP (37.5). The 2023-24 campaign ended a run of three straight top-25 seasons for Turner, who's capable of beginning a new streak next season. |
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Aaron Nesmith Aaron Nesmith scores 14 points in series decider
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:26 PM
Aaron Nesmith finished Monday's Game 4 loss to the Celtics with 14 points (4-of-11 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 35 minutes.
Analysis: Nesmith struggled from beyond the arc in Game 4, making just one of his six attempts. He reached double figures in two of the four games, but Nesmith's growth as a defender has been one of the important storylines for the Pacers this season. The season-ending injury suffered by Bennedict Mathurin pushed the former Celtic into the Indiana starting lineup, and he proved to be a good fit. Nesmith finished the regular season ranked just outside the top 100 in 9-cat formats, and his value for the 2024-25 campaign will depend on where Mathurin falls within the rotation. If Rick Carlisle decides to prioritize defense in that spot, Nesmith could enter the season as a starter, boosting his fantasy value. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam finishes Game 4 with 19/10/3 line
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:21 PM
Pascal Siakam logged 39 minutes in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, tallying 19 points (8-of-18 FGs, 3-of-5 FTs), 10 rebounds, and three assists.
Analysis: Having scored at least 22 points in the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, Siakam fell three points shy of that number in Game 4. Overall, Spicy P had a good series, averaging 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 55.3% from the foul line. Siakam being traded to Indiana rejuvenated him this season, with the former Raptor fitting in well with his new teammates. While he did finish ranked outside the top 75 in 9-cat formats, Siakam has proven in the past that he's capable of more. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the Pacers' priority will be to re-sign Spicy P. |
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Andrew Nembhard Andrew Nembhard produces 24 points, 10 assists
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:12 PM
Andrew Nembhard shot 10-of-18 from the field and 1-of-1 from the foul line in Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: The Pacers were again without Tyrese Haliburton, and Nembhard did his best to help make up for his absence. The second-year guard improved throughout the postseason and shined in Games 3 and 4. While there were some late-game turnovers that Nembhard will want back, his overall play should highly encourage the Pacers. He's fit in well as a starter next to Haliburton, but that has not translated into reliable fantasy value. Nembhard finished the regular season ranked outside the top 200, but he'll be worth selecting with a late-round pick in fantasy drafts next fall. |
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Derrick White Derrick White racks up eight âstocks' in Game 4
Mon, May 27, 2024, 10:03 PM
Derrick White amassed 16 points (7-of-14 FGs), four rebounds, four assists, five steals, three blocks, and two 3-pointers in 42 minutes in Monday's Game 4 win over Indiana.
Analysis: The Celtics completed their four-game sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals, once again being the team that executed better in crunch time. White's 3-pointer with 45 seconds remaining was the difference in Game 4, and he was highly productive across the board. Shooting 50% from the field, he was also responsible for a staggering eight âstocksâ in the series clincher. Boston also got a good night from Jrue Holiday, who added 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two 3-pointers in 38 minutes. Boston has one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA, and they'll be tested in the NBA Finals, especially if Dallas takes care of its business in the West. |
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Jayson Tatum Jayson Tatum posts 26/13/8/1 line in Game 4 win
Mon, May 27, 2024, 9:56 PM
Jayson Tatum played 44 minutes in Monday's 105-102 win over the Pacers, accumulating 26 points (11-of-26 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), 13 rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers.
Analysis: For the third time in four games, the Celtics made more plays than the Pacers in crunch time. Tatum's biggest play was a floater with 2:40 remaining that tied the game at 102. That would be the last scoring until Derrick White hit a three with 45 seconds remaining, and the Celtics would go on to close out the sweep. Tatum didn't have a great night shooting the basketball on Monday and committed five turnovers, but he was productive in the rebound and assist categories. Boston will get some welcome time off, as the NBA Finals will not begin until June 6. |
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Jaylen Brown Jaylen Brown wins MVP honors as Celtics sweep IND
Mon, May 27, 2024, 9:45 PM
Jaylen Brown finished Monday's 105-102 win over Indiana with 29 points (11-of-22 FGs, 3-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, three steals, one block, and four 3-pointers in 44 minutes.
Analysis: Boston completed its sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday, but three games were highly competitive. Close-out games are rarely easy, and the Celtics' stars led the way in Game 4. Brown tallied a game-high 29 points on 50% shooting while recording a full stat line. For the series, he averaged 29.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 2.5 3-pointers per game, shooting 51.7% from the field. Next up for Brown and the Celtics is the NBA Finals, which will not begin until June 6. |
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Jalen Smith Jalen Smith (illness) downgraded to out Monday
Mon, May 27, 2024, 6:32 PM
NBA Injury Report
Jalen Smith (illness) will not play in Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics.
Analysis: Added to the Pacers' injury report on Monday afternoon, Smith has played eight minutes in the Eastern Conference Finals. Seven of those minutes were played in the Pacers' Game 2 blowout loss in Boston. His absence will not significantly impact the Pacers' rotation. |
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Luke Kornet Luke Kornet (wrist) available for Game 4 Monday
Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:35 PM
NBA Injury Report
Luke Kornet (left wrist sprain) is available for Monday's game against the Pacers.
Analysis: Kornet is back after missing Boston's Game 3 victory on Saturday, adding another frontcourt option off the bench. His return will mean fewer minutes for Oshae Brissett and Xavier Tillman, with at least one falling out of the rotation altogether. |
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Jrue Holiday Jrue Holiday (illness) available for Game 4 Monday
Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:32 PM
NBA Injury Report
Jrue Holiday (non-COVID illness) is available for Monday's game against the Pacers.
Analysis: As was the case with Game 3 on Saturday, Holiday is available after the Celtics listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. He will take on his usual duties as a starter alongside Derrick White. Holiday played 35 minutes in Game 3, making crucial plays on both ends of the floor to help Boston complete a comeback from 18 points down. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) out for Game 4 Mon.
Mon, May 27, 2024, 5:29 PM
Keith Smith on Twitter
Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring soreness) will not play in Monday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Despite their season being on the line, the Pacers will not roll the dice with the health of their cornerstone point guard. Head coach Rick Carlisle announced during his pregame availability that the All-Star point guard will not play in Game 4. Ben Sheppard started Game 3 but failed to score, so DFS players can avoid slotting him into their lineups. Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell will be much better choices. |
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Dereck Lively II Haynes: Dereck Lively II (neck) out Tuesday vs MIN
Mon, May 27, 2024, 4:07 PM
Chris Haynes on Twitter
According to TNT's Chris Haynes, Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) will not play in Tuesday's Game 4 against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: While Lively was listed as doubtful on the Mavericks' initial injury report for Game 4, Haynes reports that the rookie center will not play. Lively's absence frees up minutes behind starting center Daniel Gafford. Dwight Powell played a few minutes off the bench during the second half of Game 3, and he'll likely be in the rotation on Tuesday. Another potential option is Maxi Kleber, who is questionable after missing three weeks with a separated shoulder. Neither Powell nor Kleber (if he plays) will be a good DFS option for Game 4. |
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Maxi Kleber Maxi Kleber (shoulder) questionable for Game 4
Mon, May 27, 2024, 3:44 PM
NBA Injury Report
Maxi Kleber (right shoulder AC joint separation) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Kleber injured his shoulder during the final game of Dallas' first-round series with the Clippers and has not played since. Saturday marked three weeks since the injury, and Kleber was due to be re-evaluated then. The questionable tag suggests there's a chance he'll play on Tuesday, which would give Dallas another option to help account for Dereck Lively II's potential absence. Lively is doubtful with a sprained neck, which he suffered during Sunday's Game 3 victory. |
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Luka Doncic Luka Doncic (ankle, knee) questionable for Game 4
Mon, May 27, 2024, 3:41 PM
NBA Injury Report
Luka Doncic (left ankle soreness, right knee sprain) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Doncic is back on the injury report, and his knee gave him more trouble ahead of Sunday's Game 3. The Mavericks star still played 41 minutes, combining with Kyrie Irving to lead the Mavericks on a 13-3 run to end the game. Look for Doncic to take on a similar workload as Dallas attempts to clinch its first trip to the NBA Finals since 2011. |
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Dereck Lively II Dereck Lively II (neck) doubtful for Game 4 Tues.
Mon, May 27, 2024, 3:38 PM
NBA Injury Report
Dereck Lively II (neck sprain) is doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves.
Analysis: Lively injured his neck during the second quarter of Sunday's Game 3 victory and did not return. While Dwight Powell re-entered the rotation in the second half, starter Daniel Gafford played most of the available minutes. The Mavericks could also have Maxi Kleber at their disposal, as he is questionable after missing time with a separated shoulder. |
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Jalen Smith Jalen Smith (illness) questionable Monday
Mon, May 27, 2024, 2:00 PM
NBA injury report
Jalen Smith (illness) is listed as questionable ahead of Monday's Game 4 matchup between the Pacers and Celtics.
Analysis: Rick Carlisle opted not to play Smith in Game 3 so it's unlikely that he'll see much time in Game 4. The reserve big man has logged just eight minutes in the Eastern Conference Finals. |
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Mike Conley Mike Conley hits four 3-pointers, scores 16 points
Sun, May 26, 2024, 10:20 PM
Mike Conley amassed 16 points (6-of-11 FGs), one rebound, four assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers in 31 minutes in Sunday's Game 3 loss to the Mavericks.
Analysis: Due to a strained soleus muscle, Conley is playing at less than full strength. However, give the veteran point guard credit for pushing through the injury, as he had another efficient performance in Game 3. The issue is that the Timberwolves don't have a good matchup for Conley on the defensive end of the floor. The calf injury keeps him from being effective in guarding Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving, and forwards Derrick Jones Jr. and PJ Washington are too big. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (3/2/3 with one 3-pointer in 20 minutes) and Kyle Anderson (10 points, three assists, and two blocks in 17 minutes) may have to do a little more in Game 4 on Tuesday, but it won't matter if the Timberwolves don't get better play from Karl-Anthony Towns. |
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