Ben Sheppard
G - Indiana Pacers - OUT
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Eligibility
Availability
Ben Sheppard (left calf strain) has been ruled out for the Pacers game against the Bulls with a calf strain.
Fantasy Impact
Sheppard has been a regular starter for the Pacers this season, and with him out, that could open up more work for T.J. McConnell.
Ben Sheppard scored 14 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 3P, 1-2 FT) with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the Pacers' 135-120 loss to the Nuggets.
Fantasy Impact
This was Sheppard's first game scoring above double digits since mid-November. He's a solid enough real-life NBA player, but for fantasy, he just isn't cutting it.
Ben Sheppard returned to the starting lineup for Wednesday's loss to the Nets and produced his best game of the season. He finished with 18 points (7-of-13 FG, 1-of-1 FT), four rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block, and three three-pointers.
Fantasy Impact
The third-year guard, who had started three games earlier this season, got the opportunity because Quenton Jackson (hamstring) was unavailable. Sheppard is not a must-add in deep leagues at this time, but the circumstances make him a player to watch, especially with the Pacers about to embark on a four-game road trip. He is currently rostered in three percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Ben Sheppard entered the starting lineup for the second half of Thursday's game against the Thunder after Andrew Nembhard exited with a shoulder injury. Sheppard finished the contest with 15 points (5-of-11 FG), eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and three three-pointers.
Fantasy Impact
Sheppard, not typically a significant fantasy producer, delivered a well-rounded stat line when thrust into a larger role due to Nembhard's injury. Coach Rick Carlisle indicated Nembhard requires further tests, potentially sidelining him. If Nembhard misses time, Sheppard is likely to continue starting. While this performance was encouraging, fantasy managers should be cautious about expecting this level of production consistently, even in an elevated role.
Ben Sheppard was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
Fantasy Impact
Sheppard missed some preseason games due to undisclosed reasons, but on Wednesday, he revealed it was a calf strain. After participating in a full practice, he has a strong chance of playing in Friday's preseason finale against the San Antonio Spurs.
