James

Wiseman

The diagnosis is a brutal development for Wiseman, who suffered a non-contact injury during the first half of Wednesday’s win over the Pistons. With Isaiah Jackson sidelined due to a strained groin, the Pacers may have to use Obi Toppin at the five whenever starter Myles Turner needs a breather. Also, Jarace Walker may see additional time at the four after the Pacers used him at small forward during summer league play.

They’re calling it a calf injury, but there is certainly a chance that it ends up being a far more severe injury. However, with Isaiah Jackson (groin) already sidelined for this game, Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker may have to spend some time at center when Myles Turner is off the floor.

Initially questionable for Indiana’s season opener, Jackson has officially been ruled out. This means James Wiseman is in line to be Myles Turner’s backup, but he’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to offer reliable fantasy value.

If Jackson is forced to miss the season opener, James Wiseman will likely fill as the backup center behind Myles Turner. Both young bigs will see time in that role this season, but Wiseman could see 15-20 minutes in this game if Jackson doesn’t play. However, that isn’t enough time to make him worth streaming with 10 games being played that day.

Wiseman starting Indiana’s preseason opener is not something fantasy managers should read too much into. The Pacers were without Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson, opening the door for the former Warriors lottery pick to start. Even if Turner and Jackson miss time during the regular season, Wiseman should not be considered a reliable streamer.

While Wiseman has not been a full participant in Pacers training camp, the injury has not sidelined him entirely. Signed to a two-year deal in July, the former second-overall pick will compete with Isaiah Jackson for backup center minutes behind Myles Turner. Fantasy managers should not consider selecting Wiseman in their drafts.

Wiseman will join his fourth team since being selected No. 2 in 2020. He’ll provide depth behind Myles Turner and will scrap for minutes with Isaiah Jackson. Wiseman could get a slight boost in fantasy value if he’s able to secure the top backup spot behind Turner, but he’s a deep-league dart-throw at best. Detroit’s center depth consists of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, which means that unless the Pistons make a move for another big man, Beef Stew should play more minutes at the five in 2024-25. That could lead to more rebounds and a higher FG%.

With Jalen Duren out once again, Wiseman remained in the starting unit for this game. He had one of his best games of the season as he recorded a double-double before halftime and set a new career-high for rebounds. Wiseman has had some solid games to close the year, especially as a starter. However, if he returns to Detroit this summer, he won’t be an intriguing fantasy option with Duren healthy. If they don’t re-sign him or match an offer sheet, and he finds a team that needs a starting center, he may have some upside. The odds of that happening are incredibly slim.

Detroit currently has the worst record in the league, though they could lose out on the best odds if they get a win today. There is no reason for Cade or Duren to suit up, so it isn’t shocking that they’ll both remain sidelined. Marcus Sasser and James Wiseman should remain in the starting unit and take on large roles once again.

Duren sat out on Friday, but there is a chance that he returns to play in the season finale on Sunday. If he remains sidelined, James Wiseman will continue to start in his place after he had a double-double with two blocks in 37 minutes on Friday.