Indiana

Pacers

Nembhard has now had at least seven assists in back-to-back games and three of his last five games. The 25-year-old point guard played a team-high 30 minutes Saturday and was -15 in the 21-point loss to the Thunder. Nembhard’s fantasy ceiling is capped by playing alongside Tyrese Haliburton, but he can still be a reliable source of assists.

Haliburton’s streak of 12 straight games with at least 10 assists ended in the blowout win against the Wizards on Thursday. In another blowout Saturday, though this time it was a loss, the 25-year-old point guard had just three assists. Haliburton played 29 minutes, but was out-assisted seven-to-three by teammate Andrew Nembhard. It’s unlikely this trend continues into next week, where the Pacers start off with a matchup against the Kings on Monday.

Mathurin is averaging 16.1 points and 5.4 boards across 30.1 minutes per game this season, so his absence is meaningful. His minutes will likely be picked up by committee, with Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard the most likely candidates to see increased run.

Nembhard played just 20 minutes in the Pacers’ big win over the Wizards on Thursday. The 25-year-old point guard was still able to record eight assists in a short stint on the court. It’s the third time in his last six games that he’s recorded at least seven assists. Nembhard’s fantasy value is limited with Tyrese Haliburton back healthy, but he can be a reliable source of assists.

Turner played just 21 minutes in the Pacers’ 53-point blowout win over the Wizards Thursday. The 29-year-old center was part of the offensive explosion as he had 17 points on seven shots including four made three-pointers. Turner went without a block or a steal for the first time since February 4, but that’s understandable considering Indiana pulled the plug on its starters early in this one.

Haliburton only played 25 minutes as the Pacers crushed the Wizards on Thursday. The 25-year-old point guard was absolutely feeling it while he was on the court as he made seven three-pointers. It’s his fourth game with at least 24 points in March. Haliburton only had six assists, breaking a streak of 12 consecutive games with at least 10 assists, but it is a little more understandable in the context of the blowout. This shouldn’t happen again on Saturday against the Thunder, unless of course the Thunder are the ones blowing out the Pacers.

On a night when seven Pacers reached double figures, Mathurin scored a team-high 23 off the bench. After scoring 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting in the two games prior, the Pacers’ reserve was more aggressive in getting to his spots Wednesday night. That’s the version of Mathurin the Pacers will need moving forward, which would also benefit fantasy managers. Indiana visits Washington on Thursday before closing their Week 21 in Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Haliburton had a rough night from beyond the arc, making one of his nine attempts. However, the Pacers’ point guard dished out a season-high 18 assists while only committing one turnover. Over the past two weeks, Haliburton has offered top-10 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Even if Haliburton isn’t shooting well from three, he’s a safe bet to crack double figures in assists on most nights.

Turner has been more valuable to fantasy managers over the past two weeks, offering top-20 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Increased rebounding and blocked shot production has been the reason, with the Pacers center averaging 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. While he didn’t hit that blocks average against the Lakers, Turner did grab a season-high 12 rebounds. He’ll look to end Week 21 positively when the Pacers play games against the Wizards and Thunder.

Toppin has had some excellent nights from beyond the arc this season, though they haven’t come consistently. This was the third time this season that Toppin hit at least six three-pointers in a game, all of which have come in February or March, including twice in Indiana’s last five games. However, he has also had some incredibly quiet performances in limited minutes. The upside is certainly there every game for Toppin, but it hasn’t come consistently enough for him to be rostered in standard leagues.