Bennedict

Mathurin

Mathurin was back in the Pacers’ lineup after serving a one-game suspension, pushing Aaron Nesmith to the bench. The latter had a better night at the office, finishing with 12 points, two rebounds, and two 3-pointers in 11 minutes. Nesmith remains on a minutes restriction, so the conversation about who should start, him or Mathurin, isn’t worth having. But that may change soon, especially with the Pacers only playing two games during Week 13.

Mathurin is back after serving a one-game suspension on Thursday. He’ll start with Aaron Nesmith heading to the bench in his second game back from a sprained ankle. Mathurin has performed well as a starter, so he may be able to hold onto the job even after Nesmith can take on a full workload.

Mathurin was ejected from Tuesday’s game after picking up his second technical foul while arguing a call. He would then bump the official, which cost him one game. Mathurin will not be available for Thursday’s game against the Pistons. Ben Sheppard will play solid minutes, especially if Tyrese Haliburton remains out. However, the Pacers could welcome Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith back, which would more than help account for Mathurin’s absence.

Nesmith, who last played on November 1, is closing in on a return to game action. Bennedict Mathurin has played well as his replacement in the starting lineup, potentially doing enough to hold onto the job even after Nesmith is cleared to play without any restrictions. Over the long haul, Ben Sheppard stands to take a more significant hit than Mathurin in terms of fantasy value.

Mathurin picked up one tech for hanging on the rim and a second after making comments to a referee. T.J. McConnell checked in to close the game in his place.

Bennedict Mathurin will continue to start for Indiana, and they still haven’t given a concrete timeline for Nesmith’s return. He hasn’t played since November, and he may be out for a while longer.

Nesmith has not appeared in a game in over two months, and it’s unknown when he’ll be healthy enough to play. Bennedict Mathurin will continue to start for the Pacers.

Mathurin, a 20-point scorer in three of his last six games, recorded his seventh double-double on Friday. Unfortunately, his fantasy value has decreased recently, and the lack of production outside of points, rebounds, and 3-pointers has been a factor. Over the past two weeks, Mathurin has averaged 1.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. While he can still be a factor in points leagues, Mathurin isn’t as valuable in category leagues.

Sidelined since early November, Nesmith still is not ready to return to game action. Bennedict Mathurin, who should be rostered in standard leagues, will remain the starter for the foreseeable future. And that’s likely to remain the case when Nesmith is cleared to play.

Nesmith has been sidelined for over two months, and there is no indication that he is getting closer to a return. Bennedict Mathurin will continue to start in his place, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he kept that role even when Nesmith returns.