The Indiana Pacers (39-29) faced an 11-point deficit but surged back in the closing minutes to steal an intense 135-131 victory over the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks (33-37) on March 20.
Indiana Pacers Top Performers:
Pascal Siakam 29 PTS | 11-16 FG | 5 AST | 40.7 FPS
Siakam has been on an impressive streak lately, recording 25+ points in four consecutive games while also averaging 2 stocks. He’s also in a great spot to maintain this level of play, as the main option in the offense. On the downside, his rebounding production has been erratic and he’s been struggling with foul troubles and turnovers in recent games.
Andrew Nembhard 22 PTS | 8 AST | 1 BLK | 38.6 FPS
Nembhard has filled in as the starting point guard with Haliburton out, but his recent struggles are hard to ignore. However, he turned things around today and almost achieved a double-double, despite some inefficiency in scoring. He’ll likely continue to see a boost in usage, with the ball in his hands more often, but his consistency remains a concern.
Benedict Mathurin 23 PTS | 10-12 FT | 7 REB | 34.9 FPS
Mathurin has taken on a larger role in the rotation lately and is likely to maintain it as long as Haliburton remains sidelined. He’s a capable scorer, but his performance from the line has been a major asset, allowing him to reach 20 points in his last two games.
Aaron Nesmith 18 PTS | 3 3PM | 5 REB | 28.0 FPS
Nesmith has been managing an ankle problem recently, but he appeared to be in great form today, contributing 35 minutes of play. He has been highly efficient in scoring recently, recording at least 16 points in his last three outings, including a 30-point performance while also averaging 4 three-pointers.
Obi Toppin 13 PTS | 3 3PM | 4 REB | 19.8 FPS
Toppin emerged as the main offensive option in their previous game against the Wolves, with multiple starters out, and delivered a breakout performance, recording his second 30-point, 10-rebound performance with 6+ three-pointers this season. He returned to the bench today with the starters back but kept up his hot three-point shooting, and having another back-to-back ahead, he’ll likely have another opportunity to shine.
Dallas Mavericks Top Performers:
Spencer Dinwiddie 17 PTS | 12 AST | 3 STL | 46.6 FPS
Dinwiddie moved into the starting lineup today, played 42 minutes in place of the unavailable Thompson and Williams and proved that he can provide elite value as a starter. He has been working through some offensive struggles lately but still managed to score 15+ points in his last two games. He also had a rough stretch earlier this month but his recent improvements suggest that he is poised to remain a reliable contributor going forward.
Naji Marshall 20 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 33.3 FPS
Marshall has scored 20+ points in seven of his last eight games while also providing modest value in multiple areas. He has been the most consistent contributor for the team since the break and should be able to maintain this performance for the rest of the season. His fantasy value is also likely to increase if he improves his rebounding, with the team short in frontcourt and enhances his three-point shooting.
PJ Washington 26 PTS | 5 REB | 1 STL | 32.0 FPS
PJ has emerged as the main offensive option with many players sidelined, and he’s expected to maintain a high scoring output and usage moving forward. He has scored 25 or more points in his last two games with his improved production from the line playing a big part to his scoring, especially since he’s had difficulty shooting from three. Additionally, he has also provided good rebounding contributions, though his numbers in other areas have been somewhat limited.
Max Christie 17 PTS | 8 REB | 1 STL | 29.1 FPS
Christie had a rough stretch recently but has bounced back, nearly putting up 20 points and 10 rebounds in his last two games. He’s been shooting well lately and should be able to maintain or elevate his numbers with a favorable schedule ahead. But he’s not really a good streaming option this week with the team’s limited schedule.
Jaden Hardy 24 PTS | 2 REB | 2 AST | 27.4 FPS
Hardy missed their last seven games with an ankle injury but made an instant impact in his return. He’s shown potential as a scorer this season and should continue seeing a good role and deliver with the team severely undermanned.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Myles Turner 9 PTS | 6 REB | 3 BLK
Turner was ineffective in today’s matchup and failed to score in double-digits after doing so in eight-straight games. Despite that, he maintained his decent rebounding and solid block production. However, he missed their previous game due to a hip issue and could also miss tomorrow’s back-to-back game.
