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  • Aaron Nesmith scores 14 points in series decider
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Monday, 8:26 pm
     
  • Maxi Kleber (shoulder) questionable for Game 4
    Maxi Kleber (right shoulder AC joint separation) is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Timberwolves.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Monday, 1:44 pm
     
  • Deemed questionable for Game 4
    Kleber (shoulder) is questionable for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

    Advice: Kleber has been sidelined since May 3 due to an AC joint separation, but he's closing in on a return to action. He participated in Monday's practice session and will be in the mix to return to game action Tuesday, although the Mavericks will likely monitor his status ahead of tipoff before officially determining his availability. Even if Kleber isn't cleared for Tuesday's matchup, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return later in the Western Conference Finals, if necessary, or for a potential run in the NBA Finals. Rotowire.com Monday, 1:40 pm
     
  • Remains out for Game 4
    Prosper (ankle) will not play in Tuesday's Game 4 against Minnesota, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports.

    Advice: This will be the 15th straight game on the shelf for Prosper. He's yet to be cleared to practice and remains without a timetable for a return. Rotowire.com Monday, 11:00 am
     
  • Ramps up activity
    Kleber (shoulder) participated in Monday's practice, Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News reports.

    Advice: Kleber appears to be progressing towards an eventual return after being diagnosed with a AC joint separation earlier this month. More clarity on Kleber's status is expected when the Mavericks release their official injury report Monday evening ahead of Tuesday's Game 4 tilt against Minnesota. Rotowire.com Monday, 10:58 am
     
  • Efficient in Game 3 defeat
    McDaniels contributed 15 points (6-8 FG, 3-4 3Pt), one rebound and one steal over 32 minutes during Sunday's 116-107 loss to Dallas in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

    Advice: McDaniels hasn't been getting enough offensive touches compared to how good he's been in the series, as the Timberwolves continue to rely on the struggling duo of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. At the same time, McDaniels has scored 15 or more points in two of three games in the series. He's shooting 55.2 percent from the field in the three losses against Dallas, and it wouldn't be shocking if he gets more touches on offense in Game 4 on Tuesday. Rotowire.com May 27, 7:50 am
     
  • Ben Sheppard fails to score in spot start Saturday
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld May 25, 9:07 pm
     
  • Ben Sheppard to start for injured Haliburton Sat.
    Andrew Nembhard, Ben Sheppard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner will start Saturday’s Game 3 against the Celtics.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld May 25, 5:09 pm
     
  • Starting Game 3
    Sheppard will start Saturday's Game 3 against the Celtics, Tony East of SI.com reports.

    Advice: Tyrese Haliburton (leg) has been ruled out for Game 3, and his availability for Game 4 and beyond is in jeopardy too. In 15 postseason appearances, Sheppard has averaged 5.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 three-pointers. Rotowire.com May 25, 5:08 pm