Pascal Siakam Takes a Monday Rest Day, Because the Modern NBA Demands a Cryogenic Chamber

The NBA's favorite modern tradition continues. Pascal Siakam is officially taking Monday off for "rest," according to Underdog NBA.

If you had Siakam props locked in for Monday night, go ahead and wipe them off the board. The Indiana Pacers are putting their star power forward in bubble wrap for the evening, leaving a massive hole in the starting lineup and forcing oddsmakers to scramble.

"Underdog NBA reported the rest designation on Monday."

Siakam just dropped 26 points and 11 rebounds on 11-of-17 shooting in 34 minutes last Wednesday. He looked perfectly fine dominating the paint, but the Pacers are clearly playing the long game with their franchise cornerstone.

When you look at his recent injury log, giving him a random Monday off starts to make mathematical sense. Siakam dealt with a sprained right knee in March and a sprained left ankle in April, so Indiana is not taking any chances with early-season wear and tear.

Fans hate it, but this is the reality of the modern schedule. We have reached the point where a guy can drop a near-flawless double-double and then immediately get placed in the cryogenic chamber. It is objectively hilarious to see a professional athlete listed out for being tired, but the front office knows they need him walking upright in the playoffs, not burning out in November.

With number 43 in street clothes, the usage rate has to go somewhere. Obi Toppin is the traditional beneficiary when Siakam sits, making him an immediate target for daily fantasy lineups and bettors looking for a spot-start bump on the prop market.

The Pacers will try to survive Monday without their primary engine. Expect Siakam to be back on the floor for Indiana's next matchup, fully rested and ready to ruin whoever has to guard him next.