Josh Hart's Lakers jersey history is a thread through the franchise's most formidable eras. Hart, Villanova standout, was part of the Lakers’ shuffle between Minneapolis roots and modern Purple and Gold stature, a path that led him to become a multi-faceted contributor across three NBA stops: Lakers, Pelicans, Knicks. His rise with New York underlined a modern fantasy profile: elite rebounding for a guard, defensive grit, and multi-spot scoring. The trade trajectory around Anthony Davis and the accompanying pieces (Thomas Bryant, Tony Bradley) shows how roster moves ripple fantasy upside. Hart's 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 77 starts last season illustrate his value as a high-floor, multi-cat asset in dynamic lineups. LeBron James’s era and Davis’s presence frame Hart’s ceiling, while his Knicks stint highlighted how the guard’s hustle and playmaking anchor team success. The Lakers’ lineage—from the Minneapolis days through Kobe and beyond—gives Hart a legacy-long runway in fantasy discussions.

The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for the upcoming free agency while facing uncertainty at the center position. The primary focus is on re-signing Myles Turner, crucial for the team’s stability. If negotiations falter, the Pacers might need to explore sign-and-trade options, considering their tight salary cap situation. The depth behind Turner must also be addressed, especially after injuries left them with a thin roster last season.

The Pacers have several candidates for backup center roles, including Isaiah Jackson, who had impressive stats prior to his Achilles injury. Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley are also in the mix, with both showing promise during the season. Other potential additions from outside the roster include veterans like Mason Plumlee and Tristan Thompson, who could provide the necessary experience and depth.

The Indiana Pacers have exercised their $2.94 million team option on center Tony Bradley, ensuring added depth in the frontcourt. Signed in March, Bradley averaged 4.4 points and 3.0 rebounds across 14 regular-season games, stepping up during crucial playoff moments. His performance against formidable opponents like Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein highlighted his defensive capabilities, though he averaged just 1.9 rebounds in the playoffs.

As Myles Turner heads into free agency, retaining Bradley allows the Pacers to maintain flexibility—keeping him as a backup or potentially trading him. This decision reflects the team's broader strategy as they navigate offseason moves, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.

The Indiana Pacers continue to surprise in the 2025 NBA Finals, capturing Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 2-1 series lead. This victory follows a shocking Game 1 win on the road. Historically, the Game 3 winner in Finals tied at 1-1 has won the series 80.5% of the time, adding pressure on the Thunder as they head into Game 4 as -230 favorites. Despite their strong season record of 61-2 leading into the fourth quarter, the Thunder have stumbled in this series with a 1-2 record. Indiana boasts an impressive track record against the spread, covering in eight of their last eleven games. Meanwhile, star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the MVP favorite at -220 odds. With betting lines favoring the Thunder by 6 points and an over/under set at 226.5 for Game 4, the stakes are high for both teams.

The 2025 NBA Finals pit the Indiana Pacers against the Oklahoma City Thunder, both vying for their first title. The Pacers, led by former Sixers T.J. McConnell and Tony Bradley, have made significant strides this season. Meanwhile, the Thunder's Isaiah Joe emerged as a valuable player after his tenure with Philadelphia. Philadelphia, plagued by injuries in the previous season, still has meaningful connections to this series.

McConnell, a former Sixers backup, returns to challenge his old team with a wealth of experience, while Bradley adds depth to the Pacers' frontcourt. On the Thunder side, Isaiah Joe's development into a reliable shooter makes him a key contributor, showcasing the talent that Philadelphia once had. This matchup not only highlights individual journeys but also reflects the ongoing legacy of the Sixers in the NBA.