James

Wiseman

The Knicks rested their starters for their final preseason outing, which gave Wiseman the opportunity to start. He made the most of his opportunity, though it didn’t do much to help the Knicks on the scoreboard. Still, Wiseman signed a training camp deal, so he’s still fighting for a full-time roster spot. Performances like this will help make his case, though even if he does make the roster, or ends up signing elsewhere, it is unlikely he plays a significant role.

Exhibit 9 contracts are non-guaranteed contracts for training camp that protect the team if the player suffers a significant injury before the start of the regular season. With the Knicks lacking cap space and needing depth, experienced veterans that can be had on minimum contracts like Agbaji and Wiseman are useful additions. Neither player should have much of an impact in fantasy leagues, though.

Jackson suffered a head injury during Monday’s loss to the Celtics and has since entered the league’s concussion protocol. His absence did not result in more minutes for starting center Jay Huff, who logged 21 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Bucks. James Wiseman played 12 minutes off the bench. Huff is the only player worth considering in fantasy leagues, and even that comes with considerable risk.

Jackson suffered a head injury during the first half of Monday’s game and will not return. With Tony Bradley dealing with a fractured thumb, recent signing James Wiseman will slot in as Jay Huff’s backup.

Indiana release Gabe McGlothan from the 10-day deal he had signed on Dec. 16 to make space for Wiseman. Tony Bradley fractured his thumb on Thursday, which creates the need for Wiseman to return. He opened the year in Indiana before being waived just a few days into the regular season. He’ll provide depth behind Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson for the foreseeable future.

Indiana made this move to open up a roster spot to sign Mac McClung. Wiseman, who started on Saturday, will now enter free agency, leaving Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff and Tony Bradley as the center options for the Pacers.

Jackson and Wiseman suffered season-ending Achilles injuries last season, so there were questions as to whether they’d be available for the Pacers’ second game in as many nights. They’ll play, but neither has been good enough to merit being rostered in any fantasy leagues. Fantasy managers needing frontcourt help should focus on Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker, prioritizing the former.

Wiseman got the starting nod after not seeing the floor in the first game of the season. However, he only played eight minutes in the first half, and Isaiah Jackson started the second half in his place. Wiseman ended up playing more after the break, but he wasn’t productive in the box score. Jackson played 12 minutes and had three points, five rebounds and one block, while Jay Huff played 10 minutes and had two points and two boards. Right now, there isn’t a Pacers center worth rostering.

As expected, Sheppard replaces Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) in the starting lineup. The surprising change is Wiseman, who is replacing Isaiah Jackson in the starting unit. Wiseman didn’t see the floor in the season opener, but he’ll get the nod over Jackson and Jay Huff.

Jackson only appeared in five games last season, as he ruptured his right Achilles tendon on November 2. The Pacers center, who recently agreed to a three-year deal worth $21 million, said Saturday that he’s anywhere from 80 to 90 percent healthy and expects to be ready for training camp. With the Pacers losing Myles Turner in free agency, Jackson is well-positioned to play significant minutes if healthy. Indiana also signed Jay Huff and James Wiseman, with the latter being on a non-guaranteed deal.