Tyrese Haliburton’s torn proper Achilles tendon in Sport 7 of the NBA Finals may hold Indiana’s star level guard sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season, a devastating blow that may have vital fantasy implications subsequent season because the Pacers are pressured to shuffle roles.
Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at which gamers may see the largest shift in fantasy worth for 2025-26.
Who steps up in Haliburton’s absence
Andrew Nembhard stands to get the largest bump in fantasy worth. In eight video games with out Haliburton this previous season, Nembhard averaged 11.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG and 6.6 APG. Count on his common draft place to skyrocket subsequent season as he turns into the first flooring common on a well-balanced Indiana offense. His 28.9 MPG in 2024-25 was a profession excessive for the third-year professional out of Gonzaga, and that quantity may bounce into the mid 30s subsequent season. Nembhard’s capability to contribute assists and stable counting stats makes him a powerful mid-round fantasy goal.
Pascal Siakam averaged 20.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG and three.4 APG throughout the common season and will transfer into extra of a point-forward position like he was in with the Toronto Raptors earlier than becoming a member of the Pacers. Whereas Siakam’s APG this season was his lowest since 2018-19 with Toronto, his capability to facilitate shall be wanted greater than ever on the shorthanded Pacers subsequent season. Siakam is somebody managers ought to really feel snug drafting as a top-50 participant.
Others who’re impacted
Capturing guard Bennedict Mathurin must also see an expanded position, possible transferring into the beginning lineup and selecting up elevated utilization. Only a few gamers within the NBA have put up related numbers on a constant foundation fairly like Mathurin in his three years within the league, at all times settling into the 15-16 PPG, 5-6 RPG, 2 APG, 1.5 3PG, 45 FG%, 83 FT% vary. Like Nembhard, Mathurin notched a profession excessive with 29.8 MPG in 2024-25, so a bump within the counting numbers is probably going so long as the minutes enhance whereas Haliburton is out.
Aaron Nesmith may additionally see a slight bump in scoring after serving as a secondary scorer and 3-pointer shooter for the Pacers for the previous three seasons, averaging 12.2 PPG in 2023-24 and 12.0 PPG in 2024-25.
T.J. McConnell, one other guard beneath contract by way of 2027-28, may see extra minutes and a fantasy enhance as nicely, particularly in assists and steals. Sport 7 of the Finals confirmed how productive he may be when given ample enjoying time. The 33-year-old has averaged 5.0 APG and 1.2 SPG in his regular 10-year NBA profession and, even with a wholesome Haliburton, has been a stable streamer in deeper leagues for years.
Myles Turner is an impending free agent, and his position as a rim-protector and 3-point shooter would stay in place if he re-signs with the Pacers. A slight bump in scoring could be possible, too. If he finally ends up elsewhere, nevertheless, it can trigger roles to shift much more on this dynamic Pacers squad.
