Double Vision: Pacers’ Andrew Nembhard runs the show

This space aims to identify players who represent good value for recording a double-double in a particular game. If they post double-digit totals in any two of the five main categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals), backers will at least double their money – and sometimes make much more than that.

The bet: A double-double for Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (+900 Barstool)

After leading Gonzaga to the Sweet 16 as a senior point guard, Nembhard surprisingly lasted until the first pick of the second round in the draft. But he promptly paired with Tyrese Haliburton, a fellow 23-yeard-old who leads the league in assists, to form a playmaking backcourt that’s the envy of most other teams.

With Haliburton sidelined by an ankle injury, Nembhard is back playing his familiar position and proving a great facilitator. He dished out 15 assists to match his 15 points scored in a loss to the top-seeded Bucks a week ago. Now he faces a Knicks squad that’s without its own point guard, Jalen Brunson, as well as leading scorer Julius Randle.

Nembhard has tallied at least 13 points in each of the last four games and is averaging 13.3 potential assists over that span. Despite the long odds, this play is easily justifiable under the circumstances – and especially so because we’re riding a hot streak.

Call it a heat check, but this is a shot we can’t resist taking.