Obi

Toppin

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.

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 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.

Monday was a great night for former Knicks first-round picks. While Toppin did not reach the 46 points tallied by Quentin Grimes, the 2020 lottery pick came up huge for the Pacers. With four starters unavailable and the fifth ejected during the third quarter, Obi was called on to be an offensive focal point. He answered the call, scoring 34 points with a double-double. And his seventh three-pointer was a shot with 3.8 seconds remaining in overtime, giving the Pacers the two-point victory. Toppin should be picked up if Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner remain out for Wednesday’s game against the Mavericks.

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.

Siakam has been ruled out for Monday’s contest after scoring at least 25 points in three straight games. Obi Toppin could be poised to make a spot start against Minnesota in his place. The reserve forward hasn’t started in a game this season but averaged 11.9 points per game in 28 starts last season.

Due to right olecranon bursitis, Siakam is now questionable for Friday’s game. The Pacers forward has not missed a game this season, and an absence would undoubtedly impact the team offensively. Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin will play additional minutes if Siakam sits, with the former offering a higher offensive ceiling. However, fantasy managers should not overlook Toppin, even if he remains in a reserve role.

Toppin hadn’t scored at least 30 points all season and had only scored at least 20 points twice entering play Wednesday. The 26-year-old power forward went off on the Wizards in the overtime victory. Toppin made 6-of-11 attempts from behind the 3-point line and pulled down 10 rebounds to earn himself a double-double. It was a great game, but fantasy managers don’t need to chase what was clearly an outlier performance from Toppin.

Bryant made his third start since joining the Pacers, filling in for the injured Myles Turner. He had a solid afternoon against the Lakers, shooting 60% from the field and recording solid rebound and assist numbers. Obi Toppin contributed 14 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three 3-pointers in 22 minutes off the bench, but it wasn’t enough on a day when Austin Reaves scored a career-high 45 points. Since Turner (neck) did not have to enter the league’s concussion protocol, he may have a better chance of returning for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks. If so, there would be no need to hold onto Bryant in most leagues.

The Pacers lost starting center Myles Turner during the first quarter of Thursday’s game, as he exited after taking a Bennedict Mathurin forearm to the face. That meant more minutes for Bryant, who recorded his first double-double of the season. While Obi Toppin (10/6/2/1 in 28 minutes) started the third quarter, Bryant is likely to be the replacement in the starting lineup if Turner misses time.