Jarace

Walker

Siakam is back with the team after missing Monday’s win over the Timberwolves for personal reasons. His return means Obi Toppin will return to the bench after having the best game of his Pacers career. Walker could remain in the starting lineup since Tyrese Haliburton (back) is out. Walker or Bennedict Mathurin may stay with the starters after filling in on Monday.

Haliburton will miss a second-straight game, which means Andrew Nembhard will be the sole point guard in the starting lineup. While this does raise Nembhard’s fantasy ceiling, he was ejected from Monday’s win over the Timberwolves after a third-quarter altercation with Rudy Gobert. Jarace Walker or Bennedict Mathurin will remain in the starting lineup, with Mathurin offering a higher offensive ceiling.

Walker started and played 35 minutes in Monday’s overtime win over the Timberwolves, as the Pacers were down four starters. The second-year forward is dealing with a sprained right ankle and is not guaranteed to be available on Wednesday. With Aaron Nesmith available, Walker will likely come off the bench if he’s allowed to play against the Mavericks.

Haliburton and Siakam were held out of Monday’s win over the Timberwolves, with Jarace Walker and Obi Toppin moving into the starting lineup. If Haliburton and Siakam remain out on Wednesday, Toppin is the player fantasy managers should target. Walker has provided limited streaming value this season, even when allowed to start.

The Pacers were without their entire frontcourt for Monday’s game, so Walker was able to make his second start in four games. The second-year forward was solid in his 35 minutes on the court, but fantasy managers likely kept their expectations in check. Thomas Bryant was another fill-in, and he finished Monday’s victory with 10 points, seven rebounds, one steal, two blocks and one three-pointer in 33 minutes. The fantasy values of Bryant and Walker moving forward depend on the availability of Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner; they’re only worth the risk if the veteran starters remain out.

Nembhard will be the only usual starter for Indiana as Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner are all sidelined for this game. The four new starters should all be worth streaming on Monday, though it is unlikely that this is a long-term absence for any of the typical starters that are sidelined.

Haliburton has missed the Pacers’ last two games, with Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard receiving an opportunity to fill in. Sheppard started Saturday’s loss to the Hawks and will be headed to the bench if Haliburton is available.

With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, Walker slid into the starting lineup for the second time this season and provided Indiana a taller starting lineup. It was also a great opportunity for him as a former top ten pick to make dynasty managers feel comfortable with his development. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to take advantage of the situation. Walker has had some productive games this season, but his other start, which came in November, was also disappointing. He’s only 21 years old, but he needs to show some sort of progression at some point for dynasty managers to continue to value him highly.

Walker will make his second start of the season on Thursday. Tyrese Haliburton (hip) is sidelined, which will allow Andrew Nembhard to take on the primary ball handling duties. Walker hasn’t had much of an opportunity this season, but this is a great chance to showcase his development.

Turner will be available after missing Indiana’s final three games before the All-Star break with a cervical strain. His return means Thomas Bryant will head to the bench, where he offers minimal fantasy value. As for Walker, he’s available after a sore lower back kept him out of the Pacers’ final pre-break game on February 12. The second-year forward provides depth off the bench, but the crowded rotation limits his fantasy upside.