Ethan

Thompson

For the deal to be finalized, Thompson’s departure frees up a two-way contract for the Pacers. That gives the team, which is hard-capped at the first apron, another possible avenue to sign second-round pick Braden Smith. While he could also be signed to a deal paying the rookie minimum, Smith on a two-way deal would give the Pacers a little more financial flexibility.

Thompson’s 17 points led the way for the Pacers in Tuesday’s 124-104 defeat. As a player on a two-way deal, these late-season games are critical for Thompson as he looks to sew up his future. While there isn’t a need for fantasy managers to make plans for Thompson in 2026-27, he’ll have some value in active leagues for the Pacers’ final three games of this season.

Nesmith will miss a fifth straight game, which should lead to another start for Ethan Thompson, who logged 30 minutes on Sunday. He struggled to produce, but he should play a large role once again with Nesmith out.

The Pacers are without Ben Sheppard and Pascal Siakam, which opened up spots in the starting lineup for Thompson and Slawson. The other change is Potter, whose insertion into the lineup means that Jay Huff will come off the bench.

Sheppard is dealing with a right hip strain and was ruled out after he was initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cavaliers. Ethan Thompson and Kobe Brown should see plenty of minutes with the Pacers dealing with multiple absences.

Sunday’s game will be the fourth that Walker has missed due to a back injury. His continued absence means extended minutes for Kobe Brown, especially with Pascal Siakam also out. Ethan Thompson may also pick up additional playing time, but Brown is the safer streaming option.

While Walker has missed Indiana’s last three games, Sheppard was injured during Friday’s loss to the Hornets. The former, if available, offers a much higher fantasy ceiling, especially with Pascal Siakam ruled out. Kobe Brown and Ethan Thompson should play plenty, especially if Walker remains out.

After starting the last two games, Ethan Thompson will come off the bench, with Sheppard replacing him. Sheppard has offered limited value when allowed to start, but this is an opportunity for him to take on an expanded role with Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith out.

Thompson had his most productive game as a pro on Wednesday, reaching the 20-point mark for the first time in his career, while setting a new career-high in three-pointers along the way. The rookie guard was part of a Pacers starting unit that dominated the Bulls. And as if his scoring wasn’t enough, Thompson was one of the team’s better passers on the night and also contributed on the defensive end with three stocks. Friday will present Thompson with an opportunity to put on an even better performance against the Hornets.

Nembhard and Siakam are the only holdovers from the five who started Friday’s loss to the Clippers. Jackson, Thompson and Slawson will start, as the Pacers are without Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker. Also, Jay Huff will come off the bench after starting on Friday.