Mac

McClung

Jones, who’s dealing with a sprained right ankle, joins Josh Giddey (hamstring) on the injury report for Friday’s game. With Mac McClung listed as probable, the high-flying guard could be pressed into duty. However, that isn’t a reason to justify adding the three-time dunk contest champion.

The three-time NBA Dunk Contest champion appeared in three games for the Pacers earlier this season and two games for the Magic last year. He’s averaging just 5.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in nine NBA games over his four-year career.

Indiana has dealt with a ton of injuries in the backcourt this season, which led to them signing McClung in the first place. However, they’ll pivot to a veteran guard who they nearly signed in September. Morris will likely have a role, but he isn’t a player that will contribute consistently for fantasy managers.

Peter was initially listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game, so his not playing is unsurprising. The Pacers will be without eight players and are especially depleted in the backcourt. Ben Sheppard and RayJ Dennis will likely play heavy minutes, while Mac McClung may be inserted into the rotation. Of the three, Sheppard is the player managers should target for streaming.

To begin the season, the Pacers have been besieged by injuries, with Nembhard among the many players currently sidelined. According to Carlisle, while he has progressed to doing some on-court work, the point guard is not ready for game action. Indiana recently signed Mac McClung to a contract, but Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker are the players to target on the waiver wire, even if neither is a point guard.

McClung spent training camp with the Bulls, but now he’ll get the first standard contract of his career with Indiana. They need backcourt help desperately, with only three healthy guards on the roster currently. McClung may have a role, though it will likely not be big enough to make any waves in fantasy basketball.

The Bulls signed and waived McClung on Friday, and the team holds his G League rights. If the three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion remains with the Windy City Bulls for 60 days, he’ll receive an $85,300 bonus.

The three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion has most recently been part of the Magic organization, plying his trade for the team’s G League affiliate. Friday’s reported transaction is interesting because the Bulls have filled all 15 of their standard contract and all three two-way contract slots. They would have to waive someone if McClung is on a standard deal. And if the plan is to send him to the G League, the Windy City Bulls will have to acquire McClung’s rights from the Osceola Magic. Either way, this transaction does not impact fantasy basketball.

McClung became the first competitor to take home the title three straight years in the event’s history, which dates back to 1976. The Magic two-way contract guard scored a perfect 50 on all four dunks, outscoring Castle 100-99.6 in the final round. McClung, last season’s G League MVP, has not been able to earn an opportunity at an extended run in Orlando, so he won’t impact fantasy basketball anytime soon.

For the second consecutive fall, McClung will go through training camp with the Magic. However, unlike last year, his contract will be partially guaranteed. While known primarily for his dunk contest prowess, McClung has made strides as a player. Playing for the Osceola Magic, he won G League MVP honors last season. In 27 games, he averaged 25.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35.4 minutes, shooting 50.9% from the field. McClung’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball next season, but he’ll have another opportunity to earn an NBA roster spot.