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Ben Sheppard Rumors
Scott Agness: Official injury report for Pacers-Bucks Game 1: Ben Sheppard (left great toe sprain) is probable. He sat out the final five games of the regular season. Damian Lillard (reconditioning) and Tyler Smith (left ankle sprain) are out.
Dustin Dopirak: Well there’s a surprise. Pacers list everybody but Ben Sheppard (doubtful) as available for tomorrow.
Tony East: Ben Sheppard is OUT tonight. Carlisle said he's hopeful that he can play Sunday.
Dustin Dopirak: Ben Sheppard is still out, Rick Carlisle says.
Tony East: Pascal Siakam is IN, Rick Carlisle says. Ben Sheppard is out.
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Pascal Siakam out against Denver
Scott Agness: Pascal Siakam (right olecranon bursitis) is out, Ben Sheppard (left great toe sprain) is doubtful for Sunday in Denver. For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray is questionable.
Indiana has talented young players such as Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard, etc., that teams around the league have inquired about. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have continued to evaluate their roster while conducting due diligence on the trade market, including (Cam) Johnson. During trade talks, the Nets have valued future draft picks and want to maintain cap space looking ahead. Amid Brooklyn’s rebuild, the Nets are also evaluating which young players will remain part of the core.
Ben Sheppard isn’t going to have glossy stat sheets in the early portion of his career. He’s going to do the dirty work and whatever it takes to help win ball games, which is why the Pacers have grown fond of him as quickly as they have. “I'd say TJ [McConnell] and James Johnson showing me the ropes,” Sheppard told RG of who’s helped him the most in his first two years. “Those are my vets, and I look up to 'em on and off the court.”
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“I feel like at Belmont, I went through the same thing, kinda the same progression, just going from someone who didn't play into someone who's a role player,” Sheppard said. “I think I'm good at doing what's asked of me and playing my role. It's been good. Playing basketball for a living is pretty cool, so at the end of the day, you've just got to be grateful for your opportunities and make the most of 'em. I don't know if I have a specific goal, but just make big strides each year I'm in the league. Just keep progressing.”
RG asked Rick Carlisle before the 2024-25 campaign whether or not Sheppard’s experience earned him a permanent spot in Indiana’s rotation. “Everything's on the table,” Carlisle said. “We've got a roster full of young guys that can play. I know one thing for sure – when an opportunity arises, he will be ready because that's who he is.”
Pascal Siakam's double-double powers Pacers to fourth consecutive win
Tony East: Pacers crush the Kings 122-95. Pacers previous biggest win this season was 15 - it's now 27. Dominant win behind a 70-43 second half. Pascal Siakam (19 points and 10 boards) and Myles Turner were great. Haliburton and Sheppard each had 14 points. Pacers have won four-straight.
Dustin Dopirak: Carlisle says Ben Sheppard is good to go. Said he was surprised he was listed as questionable on the injury report.
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