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  • 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
     
  • 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
     
  • 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
     
  • 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
     
  • 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