Obi Toppin

Ben Sheppard (toe) is probable to play in Game 1 against the Bucks on Saturday.

Sheppard miss Indiana’s final five games of the regular season, but he should be available for their first game of the postseason. Sheppard should fill out a large reserve role and provide some floor spacing. He averaged 5.8 points in 17.7 minutes per game during their first round series against the Bucks last year.

Quenton Jackson led the Pacers with 21 points (7-of-17 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists and four steals in a 126-118 double overtime win over the Cavaliers on Sunday.

Jackson had a short stretch as a starter in November, but he has spent most of the year on the bench or in the G League. However, he got the chance to take on extra minutes in the regular season finale and took advantage of his opportunity. The 26-year-old went undrafted in 2022 and seems to have finally found a home with the Pacers, though his role isn’t a friendly one for fantasy basketball. He won’t be part of the team’s rotation during the playoffs.

Tony Bradley recorded a double-double on Sunday with 14 points (6-of-13 FGs), 14 rebounds, one assist and five blocks against the Cavaliers.

Bradley played out two 10-day contracts with Indiana before signing a deal that kept him with the Pacers for the rest of this season. He has played more than 10 minutes in just three games this season and has averaged 12 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game across them. Bradley is a decent depth piece, but both Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant will be in front of him on the depth chart for minutes at center during the postseason.

LeBron James (groin) is probable to play against the Timberwolves in Game 1 on Saturday.

Nikola Jovic (hand) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) have been upgraded to available to play against the Hawks on Friday.

Both players were upgraded to probable Friday afternoon and have officially been cleared to suit up. Jovic has been out since February 23, while Larsson was made available to play against the Bulls on Tuesday but didn’t see the floor. It’s unclear how much either player will play, but they will both be available if needed.

Tyler Smith (ankle) has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Pacers on Saturday.

Smith played in the regular season finale after missing the previous game with an ankle injury. He is back on the injury report after scoring a career-high 20 points against the Pistons. However, he didn’t play much during the regular season and certainly wouldn’t have had much of an opportunity in a postseason game.