The Indiana Pacers are resting several players on Sunday as they face the Golden State Warriors. Pascal Siakam is among those sidelined, with his absence officially listed as "rest."
With a long NBA season ahead, giving key players like Siakam a break is a strategic move. Siakam has taken on a heavy workload this season, especially in the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. Overusing him could hurt the Pacers' chances as they continue to struggle.
"In a long season, it makes some sense to let Siakam get a breather. He's been asked to do so much this season without Tyrese Haliburton, and it doesn't do Indiana any good to wear Siakam down too much, especially as the Pacers struggle anyway."
Billy Heyen is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and has covered various sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. His work has also appeared in several newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
The Pacers are wisely resting Pascal Siakam to preserve his energy for the long season, especially given the team's ongoing struggles and his increased responsibilities in Haliburton's absence.