Fantasy Perspective: Indiana Pacers

After the Pacers 121-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, Indiana has improved to 3-0. Most league followers expected another down year for the Pacers but apparently the team didn’t get the memo. While the season has a long ways to go, perhaps the Pacers can reclaim a spot in the playoffs.

Here is a look at the key fantasy players on the Pacers:

Jermaine O’Neal
O’Neal can put up very good stats when he’s healthy. The problem has been keeping him healthy over the last couple years. He missed the season opener but has played in both games since.

Mike Dunleavy, Jr.
Dunleavy has played great this young season. Since the beginning of the preseason, there has been a noticeable difference in Dunleavy’s game. He’s much more confident and he seems to finally be comfortable in the NBA. Dunleavy has always had the talent, it’s the intangibles he used to lack.

Danny Granger
Granger is off to a huge start this season. Averaging over 22 points per game, Granger could be in line for a breakout year. His three-point shooting looks to be much improved and overall Granger looks like a player who could have a very productive fantasy season.

Jamaal Tinsley
Under new coach Jim O’Brien, Tinsley has looked the best he has in years. Tinsley knows his chances as a starter in the NBA are running out and seems to be on a mission this year. His shooting percentages will likely be low and his turnovers high, but otherwise he could be a very good sleeper this year.

Troy Murphy
Murphy has missed the entire season to date. However, he still has a spot in the rotation as the starting center once he returns. He’s also a good match for O’Brien’s system and could return to double-double form once he gets back on the court.

Ike Diogu
Diogu has always had the talent to play in the NBA, he’s just never had the playing time. With Murphy out, Diogu has stepped in and played very well. He’s averaging double digits in scoring and putting up solid rebounding numbers.

Jeff Foster
Foster has always been a good center option for the Pacers. However, fantasy-wise he’s not a great option because his playing time is usually sporadic. Once Murphy returns, Foster will most likely be moved out of the starting lineup.

Marquis Daniels
Daniels has the potential to be a very good fantasy player. He does everything well and can play multiple positions. Although currently, Daniels doesn’t enough minutes to be a quality fantasy option. If that changes, Daniels is a player to give a look.

Travis Diener
Backing up Tinsley, Diener is only in line to get spot minutes. That said, Tinsley isn’t exactly the most sturdy point guard and if he misses any time, Diener would get big minutes as the starter. Keep an eye on Tinsley’s health and pick up Diener if Tinsley goes down.

David Harrison
Harrison’s stats were impressive over the first couple games of the season. It was no doubt his best start to a season as he heads into his fourth year in the NBA. But once Murphy returns from injury, Harrison’s minutes will likely be significantly reduced.

Kareem Rush
Rush in the Pacers hired gun from the outside. He can stroke three-pointers and the Pacers will use him in that role when needed. Fantasy-wise, Rush doesn’t add much unless you are desperate for three-pointers.