Jarace

Walker

Walker, who has started the Pacers’ last seven games, has reached double figures in 15 of his last 16 appearances. Sunday’s game was his fourth with at least 20 points during this run. With Obi Toppin set to be under a minutes limit for the rest of the season and Pascal Siakam nursing a wrist injury, Walker is worth the risk during the silly season. Even with the turnover concerns, which he has done a better job of managing in recent games.

While he did not shoot the ball well, missing all five of his three-point attempts, Walker found other ways to contribute on Tuesday. He’s reached double digits in rebounds in three of his last four appearances, and there was also solid value in the assist category. Regardless of what happens with Pascal Siakam (wrist), who did not play on Tuesday, Walker appears locked into the starting lineup for the rest of the season. Even with the efficiency concerns, he should be rostered in 14-team leagues, at a minimum.

Siakam is unlikely to play as he’s listed as doubtful for Tuesday’s game against the 76ers with a left wrist sprain. Jarace Walker should replace Siakam in the starting lineup and is worth rostering in deeper formats.

Pascal Siakam’s return to the Pacers’ lineup on Sunday did not mean a spot on the bench for Walker, with Ben Sheppard (13/3/2 with three three-pointers in 27 minutes) being the player replaced by Spicy P. And Walker had a good evening against the Mavericks, shooting just under 50 percent from the field and providing solid value in multiple categories. At this point, those who streamed Walker because Siakam was out should hold onto him, as he appears likely to continue logging heavy minutes.

Siakam is back after a two-game absence. While those absences were for personal reasons, hamstring injury management was the reason he appeared on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s game. Jarace Walker’s playing time may decrease with Siakam back in the lineup, but he should play enough to remain a player worth rostering in 14-team leagues.

After missing Indiana’s last two games for personal reasons, Siakam is on the injury report for Sunday due to left hamstring injury management. If he cannot play against Dallas, that would likely mean Jarace Walker remains in the starting lineup. Walker is worth streaming in that role, and he should have added fantasy value the rest of the season.

Nembhard was limited to 22 minutes in Thursday’s loss to the Wizards. Due to the Pacers’ lack of depth at the point, Jarace Walker spent more time on the ball as the team’s primary playmaker. While he was responsible for five turnovers, Walker also recorded 21 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. Regardless of what happens with Nembhard, Walker is a player who should be rostered in deep leagues.

While Andrew Nembhard (5/1/4 with one three-pointer) was available for Thursday’s game, he logged 22 minutes and wasn’t on the court down the stretch. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle put the ball in Walker’s hands for longer stretches, and while he was responsible for five turnovers, the third-year forward recorded one of his best stat lines of the season. And with Pascal Siakam (personal) already ruled out for Friday’s rematch, Walker is worth rostering.

Siakam was already ruled out for Thursday’s game against the Wizards for personal reasons. The 31-year-old power forward is now set to miss the next two games, which are both against the Wizards. Jarace Walker will move into the starting lineup and is worth streaming in Siakam’s absence.

Siakam, who sat out the Pacers’ final game before the All-Star break with a hamstring injury, is away from the team for personal reasons. His absence on Thursday means that Jarace Walker will likely remain in the starting lineup. While efficiency can be an issue, Walker should be streamed when he starts.