Quenton

Jackson

Already without Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers won’t have Andrew Nembhard for Sunday’s game. As a result, Jackson moves into the starting lineup and will likely take on defending Tyrese Maxey. The other four starters are unchanged.

Nembhard’s hip injury opens up a spot in the Pacers’ starting lineup. Quenton Jackson will start at point guard and is worth a look in deep leagues. T.J. McConnell, who logged 17 minutes in Friday’s win over the Knicks, is also available to fill the void left by Nembhard.

Plus/minus is an imperfect stat and one that doesn’t factor into fantasy basketball. However, Jackson’s plus-22 led all players who saw action in Friday’s game. He had some solid defensive possessions, and his rebounding and assist production were good for those rostering him in dynasty leagues. Jackson appeared to tweak his right ankle on the final defensive possession but was walking fine after a brief moment sitting on the court. If Aaron Nesmith (hand) misses time, Jackson could return to the Pacers’ starting lineup.

Nesmith, who exited Wednesday’s game against the Wizards with a sore right knee, is good to go for Friday. He’ll take on his usual starting role, with Quenton Jackson coming off the bench.

Nesmith exited early from Wednesday’s game against Washington and could end up sidelined once again. Quenton Jackson started in his place during his most recent absence, though Jalen Slawson and Jarace Walker would also be candidates to fill the void.

Nesmith is back after missing Monday’s loss to the Hawks, Indiana’s second game in as many nights. His return will push Quenton Jackson to the bench.

Huff is the only holdover from the quintet that started Sunday’s loss to the Nets. With the Pacers at just eight active players, the starters will log heavy minutes against the Hawks.

Nembhard will join most of Indiana’s roster on the sideline, as the Pacers punt on the second leg of a back-to-back set. Indiana has only seven players available on Monday, and Quenton Jackson should see heavy minutes as the biggest beneficiary of Nembhard’s absence.

One game doesn’t make a role player a must-roster in fantasy basketball, especially if injuries have expanded their role. For Jackson, Obi Toppin’s absence on Friday meant more shots for the healthy Pacers reserves, even if they don’t play the same position. The 24 points were one shy of his career-high, and Jackson’s final line lacked only a blocked shot. The Pacers end their week with a game against the Nets on Sunday.

Haliburton was already questionable for Wednesday’s game, but he won’t be available for it. There is no clarity to this timeline currently, so hopefully head coach Rick Carlisle will provide more either before or after their game against the 76ers. Andrew Nembhard (neck) is questionable, and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) hasn’t played this season. Nembhard will likely be the starting point guard until Haliburton returns, with Quenton Jackson as the next man up. Rookie Braden Smith could also be part of the rotation if Indiana ends up truly shorthanded.