Jarace

Walker

Walker was initially questionable for Wednesday’s game, but he’s good to go. He moved into the starting lineup on Friday and remained there for Monday’s loss to the Hawks, recording 12 points and five steals. Walker should continue to figure prominently in the Pacers’ rotation as the team focuses on getting its younger players more minutes.

Walker entered the starting lineup for Indiana’s last game, but he isn’t available against Chicago, Ben Sheppard or Bennedict Mathurin will likely fill the spot in the starting lineup. Mathurin would receive a nice boost, but Sheppard won’t be worth streaming regardless.

Walker started over Jay Huff on Friday and rewarded the coaching staff for their decision to move him into the opening lineup. In the win, he was second on the Pacers in scoring, second in three-pointers, and tied a team-high in steals. Inefficiency from the free-throw line prevented him from notching a 30-point performance, but that’s one of the very few things to pick at from Friday’s outing. Walker has now put together back-to-back high-scoring performances. He’ll have an opportunity for a third on Monday against the Hawks.

Indiana will shift Siakam to the center spot and move Walker into the starting unit, which will push Jay Huff to the bench. Walker had a slow start to the year but has had some solid performances lately. Huff should still play a significant bench role.

A double-digit scorer in five of his last seven appearances, Walker’s 19 points were the most in a game for him since late-November. While the third-year forward isn’t a trustworthy fantasy option right now, he’s someone who could be more valuable during the “silly season.” Given where the Pacers are in the standings, young players like Walker shouldn’t lack for opportunities after the All-Star break.

Making his first start since December 1, Walker offered modest production in a game that was over by the end of the first quarter. Detroit scored 24 of the first 27 points and never looked back. Walker’s fantasy value in the short term depends on the availability of Pascal Siakam, who did not play on Saturday. Later in the season, the former lottery pick may have added value if the Pacers decide to limit Siakam’s playing time even more.

The Pacers won’t have Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith or Pascal Siakam for Saturday’s game, opening three spots in the starting lineup. Jackson, Sheppard and Walker will fill the resulting voids, and they’re worth a roll of the dice given the team’s injuries.

On the second night of a back-to-back, Indiana will play without four key rotation pieces. Siakam is simply getting a rest night in a lost season, which should allow Jarace Walker to slide into the starting lineup in his place.

Walker finished one rebound shy of his first double-double of the season, matching his previous high with the nine rebounds. While his playing time was pumped up somewhat due to Saturday’s game being a blowout, Walker has logged at least 15 minutes in 14 of his last 16 appearances. Don’t be surprised if he emerges as a silly-season standout, as the Pacers will want to see more of their 2023 lottery pick between now and the end of the season.

Sheppard will miss a second straight game after straining his calf during a December 3 loss to the Nuggets. How much time he’ll miss remains unknown. While Jarace Walker has made starts in the past, the Pacers went with Garrison Mathews for Friday’s game against the Bulls. Neither player is a must-roster option, but Mathews can provide three-point production as a starter.