Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Maxi Kleber (shoulder) good to go for Game 4
    Maxi Kleber (right shoulder AC joint separation) is available for Tuesday’s Game 4 against the Timberwolves.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Tuesday, 8:55 am
     
  • Cleared for Game 4
    Kleber (shoulder) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's Game 4 against the Timberwolves, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Kleber has been on the sidelines since May 3 with an AC joint separation, but he returned to practice Monday. The fact that the Mavericks are clearing him to play prior to warmups is also a good sign. Kleber could absorb some of the minutes that Dereck Lively (neck) was getting recently. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 7:21 am
     
  • 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 Monday, 9:47 pm
     
  • Obi Toppin hits two 3-pointers, scores 12 points
    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.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Monday, 8:44 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 Monday, 8:38 pm
     
  • Jalen Smith (illness) downgraded to out Monday
    Jalen Smith (illness) will not play in Monday’s Game 4 against the Celtics.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Monday, 4:32 pm
     
  • Unavailable for Game 4
    Smith is out for Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics due to illness.

    Advice: Smith has played a limited role through the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, so his absence shouldn't impact Indiana's rotation much. He'll be considered day-to-day and should have a chance to return for Game 5 if the Pacers are able to extend the series. Rotowire.com Monday, 3:55 pm
     
  • Luke Kornet (wrist) available for Game 4 Monday
    Luke Kornet (left wrist sprain) is available for Monday’s game against the Pacers.

    Advice: 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. Rotoworld Monday, 3:35 pm
     
  • Good to go
    Kornet (wrist) will play in Monday's Game 4 against Indiana, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Kornet was spotted warming up with tape on his injured left wrist prior to tipoff, and he's been cleared to give it a go. He logged 13 minutes in Game 1 before suffering the wrist injury in Game 2 and should see reserve minutes again Monday night behind Al Horford. Rotowire.com Monday, 3:21 pm