Aaron

Nesmith

Both players will be out for another game, and Jalen Slawson could take on additional minutes. Kobe Brown (back) is questionable, and if he’s available, he could be in line for an expanded role.

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.

Siakam suffered back and ankle injuries during Friday’s loss to the Hornets, but it’s the latter that will keep him out of Sunday’s game. As for Nesmith, he will miss a fourth consecutive contest. Ben Sheppard started on Friday but is questionable with a strained hip. If he can’t play, the Pacers may turn to Ethan Thompson to fill in for Nesmith.

Friday’s game will be the third straight missed by Nesmith and Walker due to their respective injuries. For Wednesday’s win over the Bulls, Jay Huff and Kobe Brown moved into the starting lineup, and both were productive. However, Brown logged 28 minutes to Huff’s 17, and the latter has played 20 minutes or less in each of his last three appearances. This trend makes Brown the safer option for deep-league managers.

Walker and Nesmith will sit out again, and their continued absences should clear the way for Quenton Jackson and Ben Sheppard to see additional run.

Nesmith will miss Sunday’s game with a cervical strain. His absence likely frees up additional minutes for Ben Sheppard, who is not a must-stream player with Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard available.

Initially listed as questionable due to lower back soreness, Nesmith is now doubtful due to a cervical strain. With the Pacers’ starter on track to not play, more minutes would become available to Kobe Brown and Ben Sheppard. Brown’s minutes would also be affected by the status of Jarace Walker, who’s questionable with a lower back bruise.

Siakam is questionable due to knee injury management, while Nesmith is dealing with a sore back. Ben Sheppard and Kobe Brown are two players whose minutes could increase if Siakam or Nesmith can’t play due to their injuries.

Nesmith has now reached double figures in three straight and eight of his last nine appearances, scoring at least 20 points in three. Against the Clippers, he was highly efficient shooting the basketball, making over 71 percent of his attempts. The five turnovers weren’t great, but that was the lone issue for fantasy managers to be disappointed in. The Pacers play once more in Week 22, as they host the Heat on Sunday.

Nesmith is good to go after being listed as probable on the initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual role within the Pacers’ starting lineup.