Pascal

Siakam

While it wasn’t his most efficient night shooting the ball, the one-time Most Improved Player and former NBA champion led all Pacers in scoring on Wednesday night. He reached the 20-point mark for the eighth game in a row while also being involved as a facilitator. Siakam didn’t record any stocks against the Bulls, which isn’t uncommon for him. And as a result, he logged only a mildly productive performance as far as fantasy basketball is concerned.

Volume was key for Siakam here as he shot just 8-of-21 from the floor, including 2-of-9 from long range. He was an efficient 8-of-9 from the charity stripe and chipped in meaningful counting stats to bolster his performance for fantasy managers. There’s no reason to expect a dip in production for the high-usage, do-it-all forward any time soon.

Siakam was one of three Pacers players to score 20 or more points on Friday. In addition to his scoring, the veteran forward made a difference as a playmaker, and also was decent overall on the glass. He didn’t record any stocks for the third straight game and fourth time over the past five outings, but even without the defensive stats, he had a solid final line against OKC. He’ll look for more production on Monday against the Hawks.

While Siakam has scored at least 21 points in five straight appearances, Wednesday’s was his first with at least 30 since a January 8 win over the Hornets. While it has been tough sledding for the Pacers’ forward, he’s managed to provide top-100 per-game value in eight- and nine-cat formats. That doesn’t align with Siakam’s ADP (30), but things could be far worse for those who have him rostered.

Siakam was one of the key pieces that sat out against Detroit on Saturday, which was the second night of a back-to-back. He was back in the starting unit, and while he played well, it wasn’t enough for them to get the win. This is the fourth straight game that Siakam has scored at least 20 points, and he’s surpassed that mark in 11 of his last 12 games. He’ll look to keep it going in Boston on Wednesday.

Nembhard, Nesmith and Siakam are back after missing Saturday’s blowout loss to the Pistons. As a result, Quenton Jackson, Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker head back to the bench, where all three offer minimal fantasy value at best.

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.

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.

Siakam’s consistent scoring remains one of the stories of the season. The 31-year-old power forward had 27 points in the win over the Pelicans, giving him 19 games with at least 25 points on the season. He’s also scored at least 20 points in 32-of-42 games this season. Siakam has provided fifth-round value over the last two weeks. The Pacers are back in action Saturday against the Pistons for the second game of a back-to-back.

Siakam continues to do the heavy lifting for the Pacers, and he has been a third-round player in eight-cat formats over the past two weeks. After a two-game stretch around Christmas in which he totaled 26 points, Spicy P has scored 20 points or more in nine of his last ten appearances. While his season-long fantasy value may not be at the level of his ADP (30), Siakam has played to that level recently.