Pacers fantasy outlook pivots dramatically without Haliburton. Nemhard steps into the starting role, but his fantasy profile may lag in scoring early while leaning on assists and three-pointers. McConnell remains a late-round wild card if he wins 24 minutes, while Nesmith and Mathurin combine for per-game upside with solid shooting and multi-category contributions. Inside center, Turner’s departure opens a messy rotation involving Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Obi Toppin, making late-round center targets essential but risky.

The lack of a clear substitute at center and a potentially thin win pace cloud regular-season projections, pushing Pacers toward a roto-friendly but head-to-head landmine profile. In shallower leagues, Nesmith and Mathurin hold steadier floors, while Nimble guards could surprise in playoff bursts depending on minutes and matchups.

Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending Achilles injury triggers a bold Pacers rework, elevating Andrew Nembhard, Benedict Mathurin, and Aaron Nesmith into bigger roles while Obi Toppin steps in as a versatile finisher and target in the post-Haliburton era. Pascal Siakam becomes the primary playmaker and closer, driving the offense and demanding higher usage, while Miles Turner’s departure compounds the shift at center. Indiana’s depth is tested as Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard gain chances to contribute, with Jay Huff and Isaiah Jackson jockeying for minutes behind a reshaped frontcourt.

From a fantasy lens, the reshuffle opens multiple value avenues. Nembhard’s playoff-level play suggests real late-season potential as a steady facilitator, while Mathurin’s starter’s workload could surge his counting stats. Nesmith’s shooting impact remains key, and Siakam’s dual role as scorer and initiator elevates him as a focal fantasy asset. Center rotation becomes a marquee narrative: Jackson’s athletic upside vs Huff’s spacing and efficiency, with Toppin’s rim protection and scoring off the bench adding further intrigue.

Ultimately, expect Pacers to push for play-in contention even without Haliburton and Turner. The fantasy landscape shifts toward Nesmith, Nembhard, Mathurin, Siakam, and the center contenders, with Walker and Sheppard offering opportunistic streams. The season promises more minute-by-minute volatility, but also tangible breakout paths for several players as Caris LeVert-era depth becomes a license for upside rather than a safety net.

The Bulls’ 2526 schedule drop sets expectations with limited national attention, three nationally televised games, all on the road, underscoring Chicago’s spot on the league’s midsized market radar. The panel argues that the team should dial in a realistic start and lean into development rather than tanking, while fans debate how many primetime slots the club deserves and whether December games at Brooklyn or Toronto could swing momentum early.

The ongoing dynamics of the Eastern Conference have shifted significantly, especially with injuries impacting key players like Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. The Boston Celtics, who were champions just a year ago, now face uncertainty, while teams like the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks are making moves to bolster their chances. Orlando's recent trades, including adding Desmond Bane, are seen as crucial for their growth, aiming to overcome previous playoff disappointments. Meanwhile, the Hawks are attempting to redefine their identity with new acquisitions like Kristaps Porzingis and a fresh coaching perspective. Their defensive strategies are under scrutiny as they incorporate multiple new faces into their system. As teams gear up for the next season, the question of who will rise as legitimate contenders remains open, heavily influenced by player performance and health.