Enrique

Freeman

With Myles Turner and Ben Sheppard both sidelined for this game, Walker and Freeman will both get the first starts of their careers. Indiana’s rotation will be pretty different due to the number of injuries, and there should be plenty of minutes for both players.

Playing in front of many family members and former teammates, the former Akron standout had a good night in Cleveland. Unfortunately, Freeman wasn’t on the floor for the conclusion due to an apparent right leg injury. The good news is that it appeared to be a case of cramps, so there’s no need for long-term concern. As for his fantasy prospects in 2024-25, it will be difficult for Freeman to crack what is a loaded Pacers rotation. He’s likely to play most of his minutes with the team’s G League affiliate.

While he may not have attended a high-profile school, Freeman is one of the most accomplished collegians in this draft class. A three-time All-MAC selection at Akron, he won MAC Player of the Year honors this past season and helped lead the Zips to the NCAA tournament. Freeman’s fifth season was his best, as he averaged 18.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.7 blocks in 32.5 minutes per game. While Freeman shot 37% from three last season, he did so on 1.5 attempts per game. Despite standing at 6-foot-7, Freeman possessed high-level defensive abilities, and that may be where his “bread” needs to be buttered if he’s to stick in the NBA. Freeman will likely have a tough time carving out a role as a rookie behind the likes of Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin for a Pacers team that was a few wins away from reaching the 2024 NBA Finals, so fantasy managers shouldn’t expect too much from him in year one.