News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was able to play through a hip injury Saturday, in Game 3 against the Hawks. Stephenson played 28 minutes in the game, but did not seem comfortable with the injury. He scored four points on 1 of 7 shooting, including 1 of 5 from three-point range. He did do a solid job filling up the box score, with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, in a 90-69 loss.
Analysis: Stephenson has emerged as a decent role play for the Pacers this season, but he is averaging just 7.0 points per game in the first three games of the season. He dealt with the hip injury through the final few weeks of the season. Stephenson was a factor for the first time in his three-year career, averaging 8.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in a career-high 78 games. Fantasy owners should consider him a low-end option at the end of Fantasy drafts next season.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (hip) is expected to play in Game 3 of the first-round series against the Hawks on Saturday, but he said it's been difficult sleeping the past two nights.
Analysis: Stephenson is averaging just 8.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists through two games against the Hawks. Even if he does play in Game 3 he has minimal Fantasy value and is not worth using in most formats.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was able to play through a hip injury Wednesday against the Rockets, after missing the team's previous game Monday. He played a big role in a 100-91 win, scoring 21 points on 9 of 14 shooting. He added five rebounds, three assists and a steal in 35 minutes in the game.
Analysis: Stephenson's production has been dropping off recently, perhaps as a result of the injury, so it was good to see him play well. He is averaging 7.1 points per game over the last 10, while reaching double figures just three times. He has picked up the rest of his game, however, averaging 3.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game in that stretch. He remains more of a low-end Fantasy option down the stretch.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, who is dealing with a sore right hip flexor, expects to play Wednesday against the Rockets, according to coach Frank Vogel.
Analysis: Stephenson has been the starter at shooting guard but has continued to post minimal production. The 22-year-old shows flashes, but his overall Fantasy value remains low-end, when healthy.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was ruled out for Monday's contest against the Hawks due to a sore right hip flexor, according to the team's official website. Stephenson is being listed as day to day with his injury and coach Frank Vogel told reporters that there is "a good chance" he can return to the lineup for Wednesday's matchup at Houston.
Analysis: Stephenson continues to see starts at shooting guard for the Pacers, but his contributions have remained minimal this season. The 22-year-old has only managed to score in double figures in two of his last eight games and is averaging 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds on 30 percent shooting from the field over that stretch. At this point in the season, Stephenson should only be owned in deeper formats whether he is healthy or not.
News: Pacers forward Lance Stephenson continued to play a big role Friday against the Lakers, as the team has not yet been able to rely on Danny Granger's return from a knee injury. Stephenson had a solid all-around performance, pouring in 12 points and snagging 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Stephenson also added a team-high five assists, but turned the ball over five times in 37 minutes in a 99-93 loss.
Analysis: Stephenson was supposed to lose his role to Granger, but that might not end up happening thanks to lingering concerns with his knee. Stephenson is averaging 9.0 points, 3.0 assists and 4.8 rebounds over the last 10 games, right in line with his season averages. He seems to be at no risk of losing his role, and remains a low-end Fantasy option.
News: Despite the return of Danny Granger to the floor, Pacers guard Lance Stephenson continued his decent play Thursday against the Clippers. Stephenson chipped in 16 points on 7 of 8 shooting, and he filled in the stat sheet well in 29 minutes. Stephenson added seven rebounds and four assists, however he did turn the ball over four times in a 99-91 loss.
Analysis: We expected Stephenson’s value to take a hit with Granger back, but Granger has been forced to come off the bench and has been unable to play big minutes yet. Stephenson is averaging 10.8 points, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game over the last five. He remains a worthwhile Fantasy option in deeper, category-based formats.
News: With forward Danny Granger’s return from a knee injury pushed back at least one more game, Pacers guard Lance Stephenson remained in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Knicks. Stephenson scored 14 points on 5 of 8 shooting, with one three-pointer in 28 minutes, while adding five rebounds and three assists. The Pacers won the game, 125-91.
Analysis: Stephenson has emerged as a surprisingly productive player in Granger’s absence this season, and he is averaging 11.2 points per game over the last 10 games. Unfortunately, Granger is expected to return at some point in the next few games, an we have no idea what that will do to Stephenson’s role. It is probably fair to assume that he will go from seeing close to 30 minutes per game to more like 20, which would definitely hurt his Fantasy value. Leave Stephenson for deeper formats at this point.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson started and played 26 minutes on Wednesday during a blowout win over Charlotte. Stephenson struggled, however, going just 2 of 12 from the field in the game to score five points. He was 1 of 6 from 3-point range and added three rebounds and two dimes.
Analysis: The 22-year-old Stephenson has had some nice performances over the first 51 games of the season as the Pacers get ready for the All-Star break. That said, he's been a little too erratic for consistent Fantasy usage. Averaging under nine points and a 3-pointer per game, Stephenson should only be on rosters in deep Fantasy formats.
News: After scoring just six points his last time out, Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was able to get back on track Friday against the Raptors. He finished with 11 points and dished out three assists in the 100-98 overtime loss. He went 4 for 11 from the field, including 2 for 6 from downtown, and made 1 of 2 free throws. Stephenson also posted three steals and a rebound while playing 39 minutes in the defeat.
Analysis: Stephenson has taken his game to the next level this season and has picked up his scoring of late. He is averaging 12.2 points with 4.2 rebounds, four assists and a steal in the previous five contests on nearly 48 percent shooting. Owners should expect the 22-year-old to come back down to earth eventually but in the meantime, keep Stephenson active in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was able to score in double figures for the fourth straight game on Monday night against the Bulls. He finished with 15 points and dished out five assists in the 111-101 win. He was an efficient 6 of 9 from the field, including going 1 for 4 from downtown, and made 2 of 3 free throws. Stephenson also posted four rebounds, a steal and a block while playing 34 minutes in the victory.
Analysis: Stephenson was not much of a Fantasy option in his first two years in the NBA but has shown flashes of becoming one this season. He is averaging 12.4 points with 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal in the previous five contests on 53 percent shooting and has made nearly 43 percent of his 3-pointers during that stretch. His inconsistencies hinder his appeal so owners should keep an eye on his progress going forward. Stephenson is worth a look in deeper Fantasy formats at this point.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson had a new first for his NBA career Wednesday against the Pistons, as he filled up the box score for his first career double-double. Stephenson grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the team, while scoring 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting. Stephenson scored eight of his 12 points during an 18-2 run during the second quarter, as they put the game away early. He added five assists and one steal, in a 98-79 win.
Analysis: Stephenson has taken a step forward in his development this season, though his production still leaves something to be desired for Fantasy owners. Stephenson finished the month of January averaging 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His ability to fill up the box score makes him more of a low-end Fantasy option in deeper, category-based formats.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson entered Monday's contest against the Nuggets averaging just 4.6 points in the previous seven games. He broke out of his scoring slump by putting up a season-high 20 points and hauling in eight rebounds in the 102-101 loss. He went 8 for 13 from the floor, including going 2 for 3 from downtown, and made both of his free throws. Stephenson also posted four assists, a steal and a block while playing 38 minutes.
Analysis: Stephenson was able to score in double figures for the first time since Jan. 12 on Monday night and did a solid job of filling up the stat sheet as well. He is now averaging 7.8 points with 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the previous five games on 41 percent shooting. The 22-year-old has a decent role in Indiana but due to his inconsistencies, leave Stephenson for the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson failed to reached double figures in scoring for the sixth game in a row Wednesday, in a 100-80 loss to the Trail Blazers. Stephenson scored just two points in 1 of 5 shooting over 40 minutes of action. He added three rebounds and three assists, while turning the ball over twice.
Analysis: Stephenson is averaging 29.9 minutes per game in the month of January, his highest total of the season. Despite that, his scoring has fallen off to 7.7 per game, from a high of 8.4 in December. He has been a useful low-end Fantasy option, but his upside remains very limited.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson had another efficient night shooting the ball on Tuesday against the Bobcats. After leaving the previous contest due to a toe injury, he scored seven points on 3-of-6 shooting in the 103-76 win. He went 1 for 3 from downtown but missed his lone free throw. Stephenson also chipped in with eight rebounds, six assists and two steals while playing 28 minutes.
Analysis: Stephenson is finally getting a chance to show what he can do this season and the 22-year-old has shown some nice potential thus far. He entered Tuesday's contest averaging a career-best 7.9 points and has also proved to be a decent 3-point shooter as he is making 39 percent of his shots from behind the arc. Still, Stephenson has yet to develop into a consistent double-digit scorer and doesn't offer enough production in other areas of the box score to make up for his lack of offensive. At this point in the season, only owners in deeper Fantasy formats should be rolling with him.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (toe) was able to remain in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Bobcats. Stephenson was being listed as questionable entering the contest after being forced to leave Indiana's loss to the Nets last Sunday with a right big toe injury.
Analysis: Stephenson is finally getting a chance to show what he can do this season and the 22-year-old has shown some nice potential thus far. He entered Tuesday's contest averaging a career-best 7.9 points and has also proved to be a decent 3-point shooter as he is making 39 percent of his shots from behind the arc. Still, has yet to develop into a consistent double-digit scorer and doesn't offer enough production in other areas of the box score to make up for his lack of offensive. At this point in the season, only owners in deeper formats should be rolling with him.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was forced out of Sunday's contest at Brooklyn early on after suffering a right foot injury. Stephenson sustained the injury in the first quarter and was replaced by Gerald Green. He finished scoreless and went 0 for 1 with a rebound while logging six minutes of game action before being declared out for the remainder of the game.
Analysis: That's a tough break for Stephenson, who was playing in front of his hometown crowd Sunday. We'll have to keep an eye on his status moving forward. Stephenson had scored in double figures in three of his past four games entering Sunday, averaging 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds over that four-game stretch. Fantasy owners should view him as an injury-risk option in deeper formats heading into Week 12 (Jan. 14-20).
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was able to play Friday night against the Celtics despite dealing with an illness. Stephenson was held to single-digit scoring for the second consecutive game as he scored just five points on 1 of 6 shooting from the field, including 1 of 3 from downtown in a 94-75 defeat. He converted 2 of 4 free throws and also added three rebounds, three assists, two steals and a blocked shot while logging 30 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Stephenson has been starting at shooting guard for Indiana with Danny Granger sidelined. He is averaging a career-high 7.6 points per game and has cooled off as of late after having five consecutive games with double-figure scoring. He's obviously not on the same level as Granger. Granger is not expected to return until at least the end of January, once that happens, his Fantasy value will take a hit. Stephenson continues to have low-end Fantasy appeal heading into Week 11 (Jan. 7-13).
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was unable to practice Thursday because of an illness, but he is considered probable for Friday's game against the Celtics.
Analysis: Stephenson has been starting at shooting guard for Indiana with Danny Granger sidelined. He is averaging a career-high 7.6 points per game and has managed double-figure scoring in five off his last six games, but he clearly isn't on the same talent level as Granger. Stephenson continues to have low-end Fantasy appeal.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson scored in double figures for the third straight game on Friday against the Suns. He finished with 10 points and hauled in nine rebounds in the 97-91 win. He went 4 for 9 from the field, including 1 for 2 from downtown, and converted 1 of 4 free throws. Stephenson also chipped in with five assists and three steals while playing 37 minutes in the victory.
Analysis: Stephenson has done a decent job of filling up the stat sheet lately as he is averaging 7.8 points with four assists and three rebounds in the last five games. He is also putting up two steals over that span while shooting 51 percent. Stephenson is not consistent enough to be considered a serious option in Fantasy but could be helping out owners in deeper formats at this point.
News: Indiana guard Lance Stephenson admitted on Friday that he continues to be bothered by his sprained ankle, reports the Indianapolis Star. That said, he's continued to play through the issues.
Analysis: Stephenson scored 16 points on 7 of 8 shooting Friday so it makes sense he picked that game to come out and say his ankle is still a problem for him. He dished out seven assists as well and he can look tough for playing through pain. He's going to keep playing, but will likely continue to do so erratically. He has low-end Fantasy value at this time.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson played through an ankle injury on Tuesday at Milwaukee. Stephenson was expected to return to the starting lineup and return he did as he played 22 minutes and scored just three points. He went 1 for 1 from 3-point range but 1 of 5 overall in the game. Stephenson added two steals, one assist and one rebound for the Pacers in the loss to the Bucks. Stephenson missed two games with his injury but has gotten over the worst of the issue.
Analysis: Stephenson at first seemed a long shot to play Tuesday but was able to get back in action, albeit struggling with his shot. He has been an extremely low-end source of 3-point shooting and rebounds for a guard and only needs to be on rosters in the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Pacers guard Lance Stephenson will not play Saturday against the Pistons as he continues to recover from a sprained left ankle. Stephenson sustained the injury in Indiana's win over the Cavaliers last Wednesday and was replaced in the starting lineup by Gerald Green. He has now missed two consecutive games with the injury.
Analysis: It is no surprise that Stephenson is sitting out Saturday's game, especially since the Pacers won't play again until Tuesday at Milwaukee, which would give him an extra three days of rest. At this point, he is listed as day to day, so we'll continue to keep tabs on his progress moving forward. Stephenson is averaging just 7.2 points on the season as he has failed to take advantage of the of the career high 25.5 minutes per game he has been seeing. He can be utilized in the deepest of Fantasy formats, when healthy.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was ruled out for Friday's contest against the 76ers due to a sprained left ankle. Stephenson sustained the injury in Indiana's win over the Cavaliers last Wednesday and was replaced in the starting lineup by Gerald Green. He is being listed as day to day.
Analysis: Stephenson could wind up missing a few games with his injury, so Fantasy owners will have to keep an eye on his status over the next few days. However, Stephenson is averaging just 7.2 points on the season as he has failed to take advantage of the of the career high 25.5 minutes per game he has been seeing. He should only be active in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson was forced to leave Wednesday's contest against the Cavaliers in the third quarter of the 96-81 win. X-rays taken come back negative, but Stephenson was unable to return to the contest. He finished with nine points, three rebounds and two assists prior to leaving and is being listed as day to day.
Analysis: Stephenson's injury is not being considered serious, albeit it could end up sidelining him for the remainder of Fantasy Week 7 (Dec. 10-16). Owners will have to keep an eye on his status moving forward to when he will be able to get back on the court. However, Stephenson is averaging just 7.2 points on the season and should only be active in deeper formats when healthy.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson made his second straight start Tuesday night against the Raptors and had a decent performance. He scored seven points and dished out three assists in the 74-72 loss. He went 3 for 6 from the floor, including 1 for 2 from downtown, while playing 27 minutes. Stephenson also chipped in with three rebounds in the defeat.
Analysis: Stephenson was moved to the starting lineup over the weekend and has scored a combined 19 points in those two games. With Danny Granger out until at least January, there are plenty of minutes to go around in Indiana so keep an eye on how the 22-year-old does going forward. Stephenson has never been much of an option in Fantasy but with a larger role this season, he can be utilized in the deepest of formats at this point.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson endured a rough shooting night against the Hawks Wednesday night. After failing to get on the board his last time out on Monday, Stephenson chipped in with nine points off the bench in a 89-86 defeat. He shot 3 of 10 from the field, including 1 of 3 from downtown and hauled in five rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes of game action.
Analysis: Stephenson has seen 25 minutes or more in three of his last four games and is usually the first guy off the bench for the Pacers. He is 5 of 12 from downtown this season and has already made one more three-pointer than his total from last season. Stephenson has done a decent job working his way into the rotation and is starting to find his role on offense. He should be viewed as a low-end option in deeper formats for now.
News: Faced with the possibility of this season being his last in the NBA, Pacers guard Lance Stephenson said he has altered his game and transformed from a reckless player to one who has dedicated to improvement with the help of coaches. Stephenson, whose contract is not guaranteed after this season, has averaged just 2.6 points as the team's backup shooting guard the past two years. "I know I have to prove myself," Stephenson told the Indianapolis Star. "I’m just trying to work hard, stay on the floor and produce. I want to show everybody that I improved in the summer."
Analysis: Stephenson is expected to keep his reserve role for the start of the season as he also aims to receive more playing time than his 10.5 minutes per game last year. "I see an extraordinary talent," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "He’s got a good feel for the game. Everybody talks about his physical attributes, but they don’t understand how good of a feel he has with the basketball and his vision." Stephenson does have the ability to help with moving the ball (1.2 assists per game), but he should not be targeted with a selection in upcoming Fantasy drafts.
News: Little-used Pacers’ reserve guard Lance Stephenson was forced to get X-rays on his collarbone after Tuesday’s Game 5 in Miami, as the result of an elbow from Heat center Dexter Pittman in the waning moments of a 115-83 Heat victory. Stephenson, who drew criticism from Heat players after making a choke sign during Game 3 towards LeBron, appears to have escaped relatively unscathed, as the X-rays showed no fractures. Pittman received a Flagrant 1 foul for the play and may be looking at a suspension.
Analysis: Stephenson had played just six minutes in the postseason prior to Game 5, as he has been used only in blowouts. The injury looked serious at the time, however it appears there was no long-term damage done. Having said that, this may be the last we have seen of Stephenson in the postseason, so he is not worth owning in any Fantasy postseason leagues.
News: Indiana guard Lance Stephenson left Tuesday's game against Utah briefly with a sore lower back, but would return for the Pacers. He shot 4 for 7 from the field en route to eight points. While he missed all four of his freebies at the charity stripe, Stephenson did grab two boards and dish out one assist in his 18 minutes of action. Indiana would go on to beat Utah, 104-99.
Analysis: Stephenson has been getting some more playing time with George Hill sidelined, but really hasn't done a whole lot with his increase in minutes. Over his last five games Stephenson is averaging just 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in around 12 minutes. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues can monitor Stephenson moving forward, but for now isn't worth owning in the majority of leagues.
News: While the Pacers continue to have high hopes for his potential, G Lance Stephenson continues to not give them much production, as he failed to score in 15 minutes on Wednesday against the Timberwolves. He missed his only field goal attempt in the game and had three turnovers, however the Pacers still won 109-99.
Analysis: The 21-year old continues to be more of a project than most backups, however the Pacers some comfortable with him learning on the fly despite their place in the playoff race. He is averaging fewer than 10 minutes per game, however, and should not be relied on for any Fantasy value at this point in his career.
News: Indiana rookie Lance Stephenson played nine minutes on Tuesday in a blowout loss to the Magic. Despite his limited time on the floor, Stephenson still made an impact on the game as he went 4 for 6 from the field to score eight points. Stephenson added two rebounds and two turnovers for the Pacers.
Analysis: The 21-year-old Stephenson has gone four straight games with less than 10 minutes on the court for the Pacers. He was efficient scoring on Tuesday, but that is not expected to continue. He has little Fantasy value at this time.
News: Pacers G Lance Stephenson established a new career-high in scoring on Wednesday night, putting in 12 points in 18 minutes as the Pacers beat the Hawks 96-84. Stephenson added five rebounds and three assists while logging his most minutes of the season, as the Pacers were up big from the third quarter on.
Analysis: The Pacers remain very high on the 21-year old out of Cincinnati, and this was a glimpse as to why. He has yet to prove he can produce on a nightly basis, but the Pacers plan on giving him the majority of the time as the backup point guard. Despite that, he has not produce consistently enough for Fantasy owners to be willing to rely on him, so feel free to leave him on the waiver wire in all formats.
News: Pacers G Lance Stephenson was able to get back on the court during Monday night's contest against the 76ers. Stephenson, who missed the team's three previous two games with an ankle injury, finished with just two points and a steal, while logging 14 minutes off the bench in the 96-86 loss.
Analysis: Stephenson was finally able to get back on the court Monday night, but once again failed to make much of an impact. While Indiana remains very high on the 21-year-old, he has yet to prove he can produce at this level on a nightly basis, which is why his playing time has been so erratic. Unless he sees a serious increase in minutes and production, Fantasy owners should leave Stephenson on the waiver wire in all formats at this point in the season.
News: Pacers G Lance Stephenson, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, will return to his role as the primary backup point guard on the team when he returns. He is currently questionable for the Pacers’ next game on Monday against Philadelphia, but coach Frank Vogel gave him a vote of confidence for his return. "We're committed (to Stephenson)," Vogel said to the Indianapolis Star. "That kid is a talented kid. He's going to be a tremendous weapon for us at some point. He's still got to get his feet wet. He saw virtually no time last year, so he's essentially a rookie from an experience standpoint.”
Analysis: Stephenson has only scored once in five games this season and has yet to play more than 14 minutes in a game; however he is clearly a part of the team’s plans moving forward. Stephenson is not a major Fantasy option at this point and can be ignored in most formats, healthy or not.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson missed another game on Saturday as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. He sustained his injury on Wednesday and has not played since. The box score stated he didn't play because of a coach's decision.
Analysis: Stephenson has a season high of 14 minutes played in a game for Indiana. He's only finished with positive figures in scoring once in five games. The fact he's got a seat deep on the bench for the Pacers, there is a chance he is healthy. Regardless, Stephenson is not a major Fantasy option at this point and can be ignored in most formats, healthy or not.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson left Wednesday's game against the Heat with a sprained left ankle. Stephenson went 0 for 2 in three minutes on the floor. He failed to score and grabbed one rebound with one assist in the game. Stephenson is considered day to day for the Pacers.
Analysis: Stephenson has a season high of 14 minutes played in a game for Indiana. He's only finished with positive figures in scoring once in five games. Stephenson is not a major Fantasy option at this point and can be ignored in most formats, healthy or not.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson has been demoted for violation of team rules, reports the Indianapolis Star. Frank Vogel said Stephenson will not play in the team's final two regular season games or the playoffs, which start on Saturday. "He'll be the fourth point guard through the playoffs," Vogel said. "This is being done for disciplinary reasons. T.J. (Ford) will be our third point guard." Vogel not not get into any specifics about what rules Stephenson broke.
Analysis: Stephenson has had more than his share of problems off the court during his career and unfortunately that trend has continued in Indiana. He was the focal point behind the locker room blowup after a game in Houston last month, in which several veteran teammates where not happy about several comments he made throughout the game. Supposedly Dahntay Jones had to be restrained from going after the rookie. While everyone knows the 20-year-old has talent, concerns about his maturity level continue to arise. Fantasy owners should continue to monitor how the Pacers will handle their volatile rookie during the offseason. Unless he gets his act together, Stephenson doesn't look to have much Fantasy value for the immediate future.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson, who was promised more playing time by coach Frank Vogel last week, has seen increased minutes over his first three games as a pro. He played four minutes on Sunday in his NBA debut and scored two points. Tuesday, he saw 14 minutes of action and scored four points. In Wednesday's game against the Thunder, Stephenson logged 20 minutes of game time. Not only that, but the rookie scored 11 points on 3 of 7 shooting, easily setting a career-high in the process. Stephenson buried 5 of 6 free-throws he attempted and added six rebounds and a pair of assists for the third straight game.
Analysis: Stephenson was a talented scorer at Cincinnati last season, his only year of college ball, but he's transitioned slowly into the NBA. However, Vogel has shaken things up in Indy since taking over, and Stephenson was finally granted some PT. He made the most of his opportunity despite being apart of a blowout loss Wednesday. Fantasy owners should keep their eye on the rookie over the next few games to see if he can keep up the solid play and get some more floor time. If he does, Stephenson might be worth a flier in the deepest of formats.
News: Indiana interim coach Frank Vogel said on Tuesday that guard Lance Stephenson, who has yet to play this year, will see action soon, reports NBA.com. “Definitely, not sure when, should be soon,” the coach said.
Analysis: Vogel seems more inclined to play Stephenson than his predecessor, Jim O'Brien, was. That said, Vogel said Stephenson would start getting some run soon back on Feb. 2, too. Just because Stephenson is going to be active and might get some run, we doubt it will be enough to matter to Fantasy owners. Stephenson is likely never to gain Fantasy value this season for Indiana.
News: Pacers guard Lance Stephenson is going to play sometime soon for Indiana, reports the Indianapolis Star Wednesday. Interim coach Frank Vogel said he will move T.J. Ford to the inactive list and let Stephenson, who has yet to appear in a game this season, play some. “It’s going to be soon, I’m just not exactly sure what game,” Vogel said. “I want to get through these first couple of games as T.J. (Ford) as my third point guard.”
Analysis: Just because Stephenson is going to be active and might get some run, we doubt it will be enough to matter to Fantasy owners. Stephenson is likely never to gain Fantasy value this season for Indiana.
News: Pacers rookie guard Lance Stephenson, who has yet to play appear in a game this season, will not be active for Monday's contest against the Raptors.
Analysis: Many thought that with Jim O'Brien getting fired, Stephenson might get some run under interim coach Frank Vogel, but that won't be the case on Monday. He still remains the No. 4 listed point guard on the roster and can be ignored in all Fantasy formats moving forward at this point.
News: Indiana rookie guard Lance Stephenson has been activated to the active roster by coach Jim O'Brien but has yet to actually play in a game for the Pacers. Stephenson is waiting patiently to see action while fellow rookie Paul George and second-year Tyler Hansbrough have become part of the rotation recently. "I'm very anxious," Stephenson told the Indianapolis Star. "I've been anxious. I have to prove to everybody that I learned a lot." Friday would have been a good opportunity to play him, but he didn't get off the bench. "I would (feel comfortable playing Stephenson)," O'Brien said. "I think it would be a heck of a battle if Darren (Collison) or T.J. (Ford) went down for a period of time. I certainly hope they do not."
Analysis: Stephenson, nicknamed "Born Ready" in high school and college, was anything but ready to face NBA competition in the preseason. His defense was atrocious and it has caused O'Brien not to be able to play him. He's currently the fourth point guard on the roster and right now has absolutely no Fantasy value.
News: The Indianapolis Star reports that Pacers rookie SG Lance Stephenson might well be activated for Friday's game against the Spurs, as Indiana is thinking about going with a smaller lineup.
Analysis: A second-round pick in the 2010 draft, Stephenson did well in summer ball, but hasn't been able to crack the lineup yet in his first pro campaign. While Stephenson remains someone worth stashing away in long-term keeper leagues, his seasonal value should stay minimal for the time being.
News: Pacers rookie SG Lance Stephenson, who scored four points in 12 minutes off the bench in the team's preseason opener Wednesday, dominated the Orlando Summer League, but coach Jim O'Brien said the 20-year-old's conditioning has suffered because he has spent so much time dealing with his legal case. Stephenson was arrested in August in New York on assault, menacing and harassment charges. "The situation that he found himself in hurt him from a standpoint of continuing development from the summer league," O'Brien said recently. "For me to say anything other than that would be misleading. That being said, I think he is a talent that is at a level that people will be very, very surprised at."
Analysis: Stephenson has plenty of talent, but his off-the-court issues allowed him to fall to the Pacers in the second round of this year's draft. Stephenson, who has an Oct. 19 court date, knows it will be a challenge to win over the Indiana fans who have openly booed their own players who got in trouble with the law -- Stephen Jackson and Jamaal Tinsley the best examples in recent years. "I'm just trying to move forward, get on the right track, make sure everybody on the team is happy, and especially the people off the court, like my fans and the Pacers fans," he said. With the recent acquisition of Darren Collison, the Pacers don't really have an opening for Stephenson. His talent makes him worth watching, but he won't play enough minutes to deserve a roster spot in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Pacers second-round draft pick Lance Stephenson was arrested in New York on assault, menacing and harassment charges. Prosecutors said he pushed his girlfriend down a flight of stairs, then grabbed her and hit her head on the bottom step. The Pacers have not announced how they will deal with that incident.
Analysis: Stephenson slipped to the second round due to some off-the-court character issues. This certainly doesn't help his cause. Stephenson could play both guard spots and has some long-term upside, but is a player we recommend keeping away from for now.
News: The Indiana Pacers have signed second-round draft pick Lance Stephenson to a multiyear contract. The Pacers made the announcement Thursday, but did not disclose the terms of the deal. The 6-foot-5 guard was the Pacers' second-leading scorer in the Orlando summer league at nearly 15 points per game, and led the league in field goal percentage at 73 percent.
Analysis: The Pacers have said Stephenson could play both guard spots. Stephenson was the 2010 Big East Rookie of the Year at Cincinnati this past season. He is a first-round talent that fell because of character issues. The Pacers are excited about his presence; still, we can't view Stephenson more than anything as a late-round Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day.
News:Lance Stephenson could be the answer at point guard for the Pacers. Team president Larry Bird said he was shocked that the former Cincinnati star fell to the 40th pick in the NBA draft last week. He likely slid because of off-the-court problems and a reputation for being difficult to coach. He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after being accused of groping a 17-year-old girl in New York City. "Obviously, we don't feel like it's a gamble," Bird said. "To get a talent like him at 40 on a young kid that we know has a chance to be very good is something we had to do." Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said he's going to try Stephenson out at point guard, but he wants him to look to score first. "Our scouts -- we knew right from his time in high school that he's the kind of guy who can create his own shot, and he has great decision-making ability," he said. "We think he's a very talented, strong, hungry individual."
Analysis: Stephenson could be part of the answer at point guard for the Pacers. T.J. Ford has fallen out of favor with the team, Earl Watson is a free agent and A.J. Price is injured. Stephenson appears to be a good fit for Indiana's fast-break style, but Bird said the youngster has some learning to do. Stephenson is aware of his critics, but he's focused on moving forward. He felt that his year at Cincinnati made him a smarter player and better person, and prepared him well for the pro game. Stephenson will participate in the Orlando summer league next week. He is battling a minor toe injury, but it is not a major problem. Usually second-round picks don't make a huge Fantasy impact as a rookie, but Stephenson could be a different breed. Clearly, he is a first-round talent that fell because of character issues. The Pacers are excited about his presence; still, we can't view Stephenson more than anything as a late-round Fantasy sleeper on Draft Day.
