
Mathurin will miss a third straight game with a sore left calf. The good news is that Pacers coach Rick Carlisle does not expect the wing to be out much longer, potentially returning as soon as Friday against the Jazz. Mathurin's absence frees up additional minutes for Ben Sheppard, but he does not need to be streamed in most leagues.
Mathurin has missed Indiana's last two games with a sore left calf. His absence resulted in more playing time for Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard, with the former offering a significantly higher fantasy ceiling.
Mathurin sat out Saturday, and he'll miss a second straight game when the Pacers face the Kings on Monday. His absence should mean more playing time for Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard, who each logged 22 minutes off the bench in Saturday's loss to the Thunder.
Mathurin is averaging 16.1 points and 5.4 boards across 30.1 minutes per game this season, so his absence is meaningful. His minutes will likely be picked up by committee, with Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard the most likely candidates to see increased run.
On a night when seven Pacers reached double figures, Mathurin scored a team-high 23 off the bench. After scoring 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting in the two games prior, the Pacers' reserve was more aggressive in getting to his spots Wednesday night. That's the version of Mathurin the Pacers will need moving forward, which would also benefit fantasy managers. Indiana visits Washington on Thursday before closing their Week 21 in Oklahoma City on Saturday.