Bennedict

Mathurin

On March 7, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Mathurin would be sidelined for at least one week. Unfortunately, the second-year wing has reportedly played for the last time this season, as he will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum. Mathurin’s absence means more playing time for starter Aaron Nesmith and reserve Ben Sheppard, but the latter is not worth adding in fantasy leagues. Entering the season with a Yahoo ADP of 122, Mathurin finished ranked outside the top 200 in 9-cat formats and just inside that threshold in 8-cat. He’s expected to be ready for the start of next season.

Already ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Timberwolves, Mathurin will also sit out the Pacers’ upcoming two-game road trip. Indiana hosts Chicago on March 13, the fourth game Mathurin misses, based on the timeline provided by Carlisle. Starter Aaron Nesmith and fellow reserve Ben Sheppard can absorb the minutes that would have gone to Mathurin. Sheppard would not be worth streaming in that role.

Mathurin had previously been dealing with a foot injury, but now he is on the injury report due to a shoulder sprain. Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppard should both take on larger roles with Mathurin sidelined for at least this game.

Since Aaron Nesmith returned to the starting lineup on March 1, Mathurin’s fantasy value has taken a significant hit. He’s averaged 15.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.0 3-pointers in three games while shooting 38.2% from the field. That isn’t even top-200 per-game value in 8- or 9-cat formats. Mathurin scored well on Tuesday but offered nothing beyond the points and 3-pointers. While he isn’t a must-drop in deep leagues, standard league managers should look for alternatives, especially with Indiana only playing two more games in Week 19. Nesmith struggled in Dallas, finishing with six points, one rebound, two assists, and one 3-pointer in 22 minutes.

Absent from the initial injury report, Mathurin is now questionable to play on Tuesday. How much his potential absence would impact fantasy basketball and the Pacers’ rotation depends on the availability of starter Aaron Nesmith, who’s also listed as questionable. If Nesmith can play, he’ll absorb a few more minutes in that starting role. However, if both are sidelined, more minutes could become available to Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell, despite neither playing the same position as Mathurin or Nesmith.

Having returned from a sprained ankle that sidelined him for four games on Friday, Nesmith is back on the injury report. This time around, a bruised quad is the reason, and his status impacts Bennedict Mathurin the most. Mathurin’s fantasy value receives a slight boost when allowed to start, and he’s a better option in points leagues than in category leagues.

Mathurin had been in the starting unit for Indiana’s last four games with Aaron Nesmith sidelined, and he was playing incredibly well. During those games, he averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists,1.5 steals and 3.3 triples per game. However, he returned to the bench for this game with Nesmith back in the lineup. He only played 20 minutes, which can partially be attributed to the lopsided score. Mathurin has plenty of fantasy upside, but he hasn’t been as productive when playing a reserve role.

Nesmith has been cleared to play after missing four games. Bennedict Mathurin’s fantasy value takes the most significant hit, as he has been the replacement in the starting lineup. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle did not mention any potential restrictions, so Nesmith should be able to assume his usual role. Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell will also take hits to their respective fantasy values.

Nesmith has missed Indiana’s last four games, with Bennedict Mathurin replacing him in the starting lineup. While he hasn’t been the most efficient player, shooting below 36% from the field in three of the four starts, Mathurin is worth streaming until Nesmith is cleared to return.

Making another start for the injured Aaron Nesmith, Mathurin’s efficiency slipped on Wednesday after a stellar performance against the Raptors two nights prior. However, that night was the exception rather than the norm. Mathurin shot below 40% from the field in three of the four starts, with production in other categories salvaging his fantasy value. The assists, steals, and 3-pointers provided on Wednesday will serve fantasy managers well, especially with the hit they took in the field-goal percentage category. The Pacers and Pelicans meet again on Friday, and Mathurin will be worth streaming if Nesmith remains sidelined.