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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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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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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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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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Tyrese Haliburton Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) questionable Monday
Sun, May 26, 2024, 4:58 PM
NBA Injury Report
Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring soreness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Despite sitting in a 0-3 hole, the Pacers will continue to exercise caution regarding Haliburton's hamstring. This is the same hamstring he injured in January, and it took the All-NBA guard some time to get back to full strength after making a hasty return to action. Ben Sheppard started Game 3 but went scoreless, shooting 0-of-4 from the field. While the rookie could remain in that role if Haliburton cannot play on Monday, T.J. McConnell and current starter Andrew Nembhard are the guards DFS players should target. |
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Ben Sheppard Ben Sheppard fails to score in spot start Saturday
Sat, May 25, 2024, 11:07 PM
Ben Sheppard missed all four of his shot attempts in Saturday's Game 3 loss to the Celtics, going scoreless with three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 26 minutes.
Analysis: Sheppard was tabbed to fill the void left by Tyrese Haliburton, who sat with a left hamstring injury. The rookie guard didn't provide much value in Game 3, as he was 0-of-3 from deep and failed to score. Sheppard might remain in the starting lineup for Monday's Game 4, depending on what happens with Haliburton. If the Pacers are to extend a series they now trail 3-0, they will need more production from Sheppard. |
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T.J. McConnell T.J. McConnell posts 23/9/6/1 line in Game 3 loss
Sat, May 25, 2024, 11:04 PM
T.J. McConnell finished Saturday's loss to the Celtics with 23 points (10-of-17 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), nine rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 29 minutes.
Analysis: While he wasn't Rick Carlisle's choice to replace the injured Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) in the starting lineup, McConnell was still in a position where he needed to step up. The veteran point guard came through, recording his first 20-point game since Game 6 of the Pacers' first-round series against Milwaukee. The workload was also notable from Game 3, as the 29 minutes are the most T.J. has played in a game this postseason. Expect McConnell to take on a similar workload if Haliburton cannot play in Game 4 on Monday. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner finishes Game 3 loss with 22 points
Sat, May 25, 2024, 10:50 PM
Myles Turner logged 39 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Celtics, finishing with 22 points (9-of-16 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), 10 rebounds, and one assist.
Analysis: While Turner shot the ball well from the field overall, there were some glaring deficiencies in his final stat line. The Pacers center missed all three of his 3-point attempts and failed to record a blocked shot for the second straight game. Indiana's 3-point shooting is more concerning, as they were 5-of-22 in Game 3, and the Celtics outscored them by a 48-15 margin from deep. Not having Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) on the court impacted the quality of looks the Pacers could generate from three. And this could remain an issue in Game 4 if Haliburton cannot play. Turner will need to be more impactful on both ends if the Pacers are to extend this series. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam accounts for 22 points, six assists
Sat, May 25, 2024, 10:43 PM
Pascal Siakam shot 9-of-18 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line in Saturday's 114-111 loss to the Celtics, scoring 22 points with three rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 36 minutes.
Analysis: The players who were supposed to step up in Tyrese Haliburton's absence did so, with Siakam being one of four Pacers to score at least 22 points in Game 3. The issue was that no one else scored more than four points as Indiana let an 18-point lead slip away. Siakam could be in a similar spot on Monday for Game 4, as Haliburton (hamstring) isn't a lock to be available. Regardless of the Pacers point guard's health, Siakam will be heavily involved in the offensive attack as a scorer and playmaker. |
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Andrew Nembhard Andrew Nembhard scores playoff career-high 32 PTS
Sat, May 25, 2024, 10:37 PM
Andrew Nembhard was excellent in Saturday's 114-111 loss to the Celtics, recording a line of 32 points (12-of-21 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), four rebounds, nine assists, and four 3-pointers in 39 minutes.
Analysis: The Pacers were without Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) for Game 3, and there were questions about who would step up offensively. Nembhard was one of the answers, as he established a new playoff career-high with 32 points. The second-year guard was also responsible for nine assists and just two turnovers, but the last may linger for a while. Nembhard's pocket was picked by Jrue Holiday in the final seconds, with the Celtics leading by one. While Indiana did get a final opportunity to force overtime, that's a play Nembhard will likely want back. Game 4 is on Monday, and the Pacers could again be without Haliburton. If so, Nembhard will make for an attractive play in DFS tournaments. |
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Ben Sheppard Ben Sheppard to start for injured Haliburton Sat.
Sat, May 25, 2024, 7:09 PM
Indiana Pacers on Twitter
Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner will start Saturday's Game 3 against the Celtics.
Analysis: The Pacers are without All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who will not play on Saturday due to a left hamstring injury. As a result, Nembhard will be the lone point guard in the starting lineup, with Sheppard moving up from the bench. The latter will experience an increase in catch-and-shoot opportunities, while Haliburton's absence enhances Nembhard and T.J. McConnell's DFS values. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Shams: Haliburton (hamstring) to miss Game 3
Sat, May 25, 2024, 1:52 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Tyrese Haliburton will miss Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals due to left hamstring soreness.
Analysis: Haliburton missed 10 games in the regular season due to a left hamstring injury, and he sustained that same injury in the third quarter of Game 2 on Thursday. Down 0-2 to Boston, Haliburton's absence is a massive blow to Indiana's hopes of coming back in the series. T.J. McConnell is a likely candidate to replace him in the starting five. |
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Tyrese Haliburton Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) questionable Sat.
Fri, May 24, 2024, 4:38 PM
NBA Injury Report
Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring soreness) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Haliburton, limited by an injury to the same hamstring earlier this season, exited Thursday's Game 2 defeat during the fourth quarter. While the injury being a case of soreness instead of a strain is good news, there's no guarantee the All-NBA point guard will play on Saturday. Andrew Nembhard (who's already a starter), T.J. McConnell, and Ben Sheppard would all be required to do more if Haliburton cannot play. And the Pacers are already in an 0-2 hole, so losing Haliburton could end their hopes of turning things around. |
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Pascal Siakam Pascal Siakam leads Pacers with 28 points in loss
Thu, May 23, 2024, 10:17 PM
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 28 points (13-of-17 FGs), five rebounds, two assists and two triples in a 126-110 loss to the Celtics in Game 2 on Thursday.
Analysis: Siakam did everything he could to keep Indiana around in this game, but it didn't end up being enough. Siakam has played really well recently and has now scored at least 20 points in five straight games, which includes the first two games of this series. That wasn't enough to get a win in Boston, but with Tyrese Haliburton dealing with a left hamstring injury, Siakam may be forced to take on even more responsibility moving forward. This was his highest scoring performance of this postseason, and he'll need to do even more moving forward. |
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Myles Turner Myles Turner limited by foul trouble in Game 2
Thu, May 23, 2024, 10:05 PM
Myles Turner had a quiet night on Thursday and finished with eight points (3-of-7 FGs), four rebounds, one steal and two triples against Boston.
Analysis: Turner had a rough first half, and he entered the break with zero points, four turnovers and three fouls after playing just 12 minutes. He was better in the second half, and he didn't add anymore turnovers or fouls. However, he only played 12 more minutes after that before Rick Carlisle pulled the plug. Turner was huge in Game 1, and even though it didn't result in a win, it became even more clear that he is vital to their success. They'll need him on the floor a lot more than he was in this game if they want to avoid a 3-0 hole on Saturday. |
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