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  • 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
     
  • 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 May 25, 9:04 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
     
  • 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 May 24, 12:53 pm