Keifer

Sykes

Sykes appeared in 32 games, making 11 starts for the Pacers this season. Sykes played 17.7 minutes per game and averaged 5.6 points per game with 1.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He might get an opportunity next season with another NBA team, but he will not be a fantasy target.

Duarte has been dealing with the toe injury since February, and at this point, it seems foolish for the team to play him again in what has become a lost season for the Pacers. Go ahead and drop him if you haven’t yet, and continue to expect some more minutes from guys like Keifer Sykes, Terry Taylor and Justin Anderson.

Sykes is one of eight Indiana players available tonight, so he should get some solid run, and he’ll be joined in the first unit by Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, Justin Anderson and Goga Bitadze.

Brogdon has been out since January 19, and there isn’t much reason for the Pacers to rush him back onto the court. If he misses another game, Keifer Sykes may get the start, but he isn’t the player fantasy managers will have their eye on. That would be Tyrese Haliburton, who is set to make his Pacers debut after being acquired from the Kings. He’s already rostered in all leagues, so there’s no need to rush to your waiver wire. Sykes starting would give him one last chance to provide streaming value, but he isn’t worth the risk.

Sykes got the spot-start today with Caris LeVert (traded) unavailable, but he wasn’t all that impressive. He’s been hit-or-miss as a starter this season, and there are no guarantees he’ll stick in the first unit for Tuesday’s game against the Hawks, so he’s safe to leave on the waiver wire in most leagues.

Duarte has started each of the Pacers’ last five games and averaged 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.8 triples and 1.4 steals in that span. Already shorthanded in the backcourt, Duarte’s absence would free up more minutes for the likes of Keifer Sykes, Jeremy Lamb and Duane Washington.

LeVert is back in action after a two-game absence, and joining him in the first unit tonight will be Chris Duarte, Justin Holiday, Torrey Craig and Domantas Sabonis. Go ahead and get LeVert active.

“Born Ready” has played 18 minutes in each of the Pacers’ last two games, with the playing time coming available due to Malcolm Brogdon (right Achilles) and Caris LeVert (right calf) both being sidelined. Brogdon will miss at least 10 days due to his injury, and that could be what Stephenson needs in order to have a shot at becoming a possible fantasy option. He and Keifer Sykes (5/1/2/1 with one 3-pointer and five turnovers), who started Saturday’s game, will not lack opportunities to have an impact on a team that could be sellers at the trade deadline. Stephenson isn’t worth rostering just yet, but deep-league managers should keep an eye on him.

Brogdon has been struggling with the sore Achilles for a few weeks now, so the Pacers have decided to shut him down with the hope that the rest will get him back to full strength. Brogdon will be evaluated after the 10-day period passes, and this leaves the Pacers shorthanded at the point guard position. Keifer Sykes and Chris Duarte are the players to watch as far as fantasy is concerned, with the latter being the safer choice if available on your league’s waiver wire.

With Malcolm Brogdon out of action, Sykes will shift back to the starting lineup. In six prior starts, he averaged 12.0 points, 3.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 triples. Expect Bitadze and Craig to be busy with Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner also sidelined.