Indiana

Pacers

Signed to a one-year deal in early July, Nance suffered a hamstring injury a little over two weeks ago, according to Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. As a result, the veteran forward/center has been limited to 5-on-0 work at the start of training camp. The Pacers hope that Nance will be fully cleared within a week or two. Once the regular season begins, he’s unlikely to have a role that will make him fantasy-relevant.

At the time of his injury, Furphy was emerging as one of the few bright spots in the Pacers’ 2025-26 campaign, having started 18 straight games and producing at a higher level. Unfortunately, the injury ended the former second-round pick’s season. Furphy, who has added strength according to Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, said recently that he’s in a good place with his rehab, but he still hasn’t been cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities. When asked for a potential timeline for that clearance, the 6-foot-9 wing was unsure. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) available, Furphy is one of the players who would benefit from the point guard’s return once he’s allowed to play. However, only dynasty league managers should be considering Furphy in drafts this fall.

Slawson finished last season out with Indiana and was productive for them during summer league this month. That was enough for them to reward the 2023 second-round pick with a two-way deal. However, with Indiana set to return to contention this upcoming season, Slawson won’t match the 23.9 minutes per game that he played during his 13 games in March and April last season.

While Smith had a rough shooting day, missing all four of his three-point attempts, the rookie guard did a good job running the team in Indiana’s 94-93 defeat. Smith committed just two turnovers in his 27 minutes while recording a team-high nine assists. The Pacers don’t have an open two-way contract, so Smith is likely competing for an Exhibit 10 deal unless the front office waives someone.

The Pacers don’t have an open two-way contract slot, but they can offer Slawson an Exhibit 10 deal, which would include an invitation to training camp. Given how he’s played in Las Vegas, the forward is making a good case to all 30 teams that he should be in the NBA next season. After putting up 26 points in Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, Slawson scored 21 more on Monday while also grabbing eight rebounds and blocking two shots. Given the contract uncertainty, there’s no need to begin planning to select him in fantasy drafts. However, Slawson has looked like a legitimate NBA player in Las Vegas.

Not selected in last month’s draft, Mast had his best performance of summer league on Monday. The 6-foot-10 center shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, showing the ability to add value as a pick-and-pop big in the two-man game. Add in the rebounding, and Mast may have strengthened his argument for an Exhibit 10 deal with the Pacers or another team. Indiana does not have an open two-way contract slot, so the most they can give Mast right now is an Exhibit 10, unless they waive someone.

The Pacers were in danger of being run out of Cox Pavilion on Saturday, but the play of their point guards helped force overtime. Smith, the NCAA Division I all-time assist leader, racked up five while also scoring 16 points. However, it was Yuki Kawamura who provided the initial spark, and he finished with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and one three-pointer. All three of the Pacers’ two-way contract slots have been filled, so Smith and Kawamura may be competing for one training camp invite in Las Vegas. Being the draft pick may give the latter an edge in the competition.

Slawson’s energy and production were two reasons why the Pacers were able to rally from 24 points down to force overtime on Saturday. And that’s likely what the front office wants to see after declining to tender a two-way qualifying offer to the forward. While Slawson did not shoot the ball well on Friday, his activity may force some other teams with available two-way slots to keep an eye on him. Just in case the Pacers don’t look to hold onto the 2023 second-round pick.

Slawson, who remains a restricted free agent after spending last season on a two-way contract, made up for his poor shooting with elite defense. The Pacers forward blocked five shots and recorded a steal, and he was also effective on the glass alongside undrafted rookie Rienk Mast (16/11/3/1 with one three-pointer). Slawson shot 2-of-9 from beyond the arc, but that isn’t something the Pacers will ask him to do much of next season if the team remains healthy.

Nance Jr. logged a career-low 12.8 minutes per game across 35 appearances for the Cavs last season, and his role isn’t expected to expand with the Pacers. He’ll fight for backup minutes in the frontcourt with Jay Huff and Micah Potter, and Nance Jr. isn’t on the fantasy radar in most leagues.