• 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
  • 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 Monday, 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