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  • Decent output in Game 4 loss
    McConnell provided 15 points (7-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, four assists and one steal across 25 minutes during Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: McConnell was tasked with handling a bigger role throughout the series, and that was even more noticeable with Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined for the final two contests. The veteran floor general looked good off the bench, but he wasn't able to complete the comeback on his own. McConnell scored in double digits in three of the four games of the series, including reaching the 15-point plateau in the last two. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:47 pm
     
  • Shines in bigger role
    Nembhard totaled 24 points (10-18 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), six rebounds, 10 assists, one block and one steal over 39 minutes during Monday's 105-102 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: Even though the Pacers were swept by the Celtics, one positive outcome of this series was Nembhard's excellent play, which proved he's more than ready to handle a more prominent role in the offensive scheme. Nembhard ended his postseason run by scoring in double digits in seven appearances in a row, reaching the 20-point mark in three of the last five. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:44 pm
     
  • T.J. McConnell records 15/5/4/1 line in Game 4
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:38 pm
     
  • Andrew Nembhard produces 24 points, 10 assists
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:12 pm
     
  • Scores career-high 32 points
    Nembhard racked up 32 points (12-21 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds and nine assists across 39 minutes during Saturday's 114-111 loss to Boston in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: Nembhard had to step up his game with Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) sidelined, and the second-year guard delivered the best performance of his career on the biggest stage. However, Nembhard lost the ball in a critical sequence against Jrue Holiday when the Pacers had to go for a comeback in the final seconds, but aside from that, he was excellent. Nemnhard is averaging 20.0 points, 7.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game in the Eastern Conference Finals so far. Rotowire.com Sunday, 9:42 am
     
  • Shines off bench despite loss
    McConnell notched 23 points (10-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one steal in 29 minutes during Saturday's 114-111 loss to Boston in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: McConnell came off the bench Saturday despite the fact Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) was unavailable, and the former made a huge impact on both ends of the court once again. Given that McConnell outplayed Ben Sheppard, who started Game 3 in place of Haliburton, it wouldn't be surprising if McConnell moves to the starting lineup in Game 4 with Indiana facing a 3-0 deficit in the series. McConnell is averaging 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. Rotowire.com Sunday, 9:39 am
     
  • T.J. McConnell posts 23/9/6/1 line in Game 3 loss
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Saturday, 9:04 pm
     
  • Andrew Nembhard scores playoff career-high 32 PTS
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Saturday, 8:37 pm
     
  • Lonzo Ball (knee) plans to play in season opener
    Lonzo Ball (left knee surgery) said on his podcast that he plans to play in Chicago’s season opener in October.

    Advice: Ball hasn’t played in over two years, but as of now, he is planning to play this upcoming season. That is a long way away, so a lot could change over the next five months, but he appears to be optimistic. He also explained on his podcast that he had to get a new meniscus from a donor as part of his recovery, which is concerning for his long-term health. Hopefully there will be more updates in the coming months that will paint a clearer picture of what his potential availability could look like to start next season. Rotoworld Friday, 12:53 pm