Tony

Bradley

Bradley and Thomas Bryant have taken turns filling out the backup center minutes in the postseason, and with Bradley available for Game 1 of the Finals, he could see a few minutes off the bench. However, he has only reached 10 minutes twice during Indiana’s playoff run. His presence won’t have a significant impact on the game.

Bradley suffered a strained left hip flexor during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. While he was made available for Game 6 on Saturday, the Pacers’ backup center did not see any time, with Rick Carlisle deciding to go with Thomas Bryant as Myles Turner’s backup instead. Even if Bradley is available for Thursday’s series opener in Oklahoma City, that does not guarantee he’ll get on the court.

Bradley injured his hip in Thursday’s Game 5 and didn’t return. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that while the 27-year-old center will dress, it’ll be an in-game decision as to whether he plays or not. Thomas Bryant could play rotation minutes if Bradley ultimately isn’t used. While Bradley hasn’t had much of an impact on the stat sheet, his size would be useful against the Knicks’ frontline.

While Bradley has not been statistically impactful in the Eastern Conference Finals, his strength has been helpful in the Pacers’ matchup with Knicks center and elite offensive rebounder Mitchell Robinson. He strained his left hip flexor during Thursday’s Game 5 defeat and did not return, resulting in Thomas Bryant re-entering the rotation. If Bradley cannot play on Saturday, Bryant should play rotation minutes, but he was not effective in prior matchups with Robinson.

Bradley played out two 10-day contracts with Indiana before signing a deal that kept him with the Pacers for the rest of this season. He has played more than 10 minutes in just three games this season and has averaged 12 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game across them. Bradley is a decent depth piece, but both Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant will be in front of him on the depth chart for minutes at center during the postseason.

Turner is on track to play in Sunday’s regular-season finale after sitting out Friday’s loss to the Pacers. His return would push Thomas Bryant to the bench. However, the Pacers’ backup center should still play plenty, as Indiaha has secured the four-seed in the East. Look for Tony Bradley to be in the rotation, even if his playing time is limited during the first half.

While Bradley’s production has not been enough to impact fantasy basketball, he has done enough to ensure a stay with the Pacers for the rest of the season. He gives the Pacers another option in the post behind Myles Turner, which may come in handy during the postseason.

Bradley’s first 10-day contract expired after Tuesday’s win over the Bucks, and it’s reported that the Pacers will sign him to a second deal. Waiting until Thursday to finalize the transaction will ensure Bradley has six opportunities to play as the Pacers face the Nets on March 22. Bradley’s status will not impact fantasy basketball as long as Myles Turner is available.

Bradley, the 28th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, is back in the Association. Most recently, he’s been with the G League’s College Park SkyHawks, averaging 14.0 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocked shots per game. Bradley most recently played in the NBA during the 2022-23 campaign, appearing in 12 games for the Bulls. With Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant healthy, Bradley is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Thompson has not appeared in an NBA game this season, with it being reported back in August that the Nets expressed interest in him. Nothing came to fruition there. As for Bradley, he appeared in 12 games with the Bulls this season before being waived on February 21. With Mo Bamba (ankle) possibly out for the remainder of the regular season, adding another big man to the roster could be in the cards for the Lakers as they look to make a run at a playoff spot.