Ellis plans to work out privately for at least five NBA teams in Las Vegas on July 8, Jordan Schultz of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis boasts a robust scoring average of 17.8 points per game across 833 regular-season contests spanning 12 seasons, but the 33-year-old shooting guard hasn't played professionally since 2016-17. After two years away from the sport, Ellis is apparently healthy and eager to resume his career, though his poor efficiency from three-point range for his career (31.4 percent) could hinder his efforts to resurface as an NBA bench player. If Ellis impresses in his workouts and ultimately signs with a team, he would likely have to accept a deal with minimal guaranteed money attached to it no matter where he lands.

Ellis was waived by the Pacers on Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Vertical reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis, who was slapped with a five-game suspension in mid-June for violation of the league's anti-drug policy, has been waived by the Pacers. The move isn't too surprising, as the subtraction of Paul George has all but drained Indiana of their playoff hopes and thrust them into a rebuilding effort. Ellis, a 31-year-old veteran, likely wouldn't have seen much playing time anyway, as the trade that sent George to Oklahoma City also brought in Victor Oladipo, a young shooting guard who could command upwards of 30 to 35 minutes a night.

Ellis has been suspended five games by the NBA for a violation of the league's anti-drug policy, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reports.

EDGE Analysis

The NBA announced the suspension in a press release Friday but did not provide any further details. Assuming Ellis isn't able to get the suspension reduced, he'll be required sit out the first five games of the 2017-18 season. Following the news, the Pacers issued the following statement: "Monta's suspension is a very serious matter to our franchise and it will be dealt with accordingly." At this point, it's unclear if Ellis will face any further discipline from the team.

Ellis will move to the bench for Thursday's Game 3 against Cleveland, Scott Agness of Vigilant Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis has averaged just 6.5 points, 2.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds while playing 26.5 minutes per game in two playoff starts thus far. His slow start has resulted in C.J. Miles getting the starting nod in Game 3. Look for Ellis to see a slightly reduced role while coming off the bench. It's unclear if Ellis will return to the starting lineup or come off the bench in Sunday's Game 4.

Ellis compiled eight points (3-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-4 FT), five steals, one block, one rebound and one assist across 24 minutes during Thursday's 104-89 victory over the Bucks.

EDGE Analysis

Though he's made an impressive defensive leap since joining the starting five March 26 -- averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game since then -- Ellis has been largely underwhelming on the offensive side of the ball, averaging 8.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists across 30.0 minutes per game while knocking down 42.4 percent of his shots. While the 31-year-old Ellis has demonstrated throughout his career that he's a capable scorer, he's taking a backseat to the likes of Paul George, Jeff Teague and Myles Turner this season, regardless of his spot in the rotation. While Ellis could be worth a pickup off the wire for those in quick need of defensive statistics, his offensive struggles may offset those benefits.

Ellis will start at shooting guard for Sunday's game against the 76ers.

EDGE Analysis

Coach Nate McMillan said he was hoping to play a little faster Sunday, which was his reasoning for inserting Ellis into the top unit. C.J. Miles will head to the bench in the corresponding move and could see a slight down tick in minutes. In 23 previous starts this season, Ellis has averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 31.2 minutes.

Ellis recorded 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-3 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one steal over 31 minutes in Friday's 125-117 loss to the Nuggets.

EDGE Analysis

With both C.J, Miles and Jeff Teague in foul trouble, Ellis toiled in the backcourt for most of the game, and settled into shooting guard for good when Miles fouled out. This stat line is largely an aberration for Ellis, who only has fantasy value when an injury occurs. He's only a reasonable add in the deepest of formats.

Ellis finished with 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-2 3Pt) with three assists and just one turnover over 22 minutes in Wednesday's 115-98 win against the Pistons.

EDGE Analysis

After a stinker Sunday in Atlanta he has bounced back with 12.0 points and 3.0 assists over his past two outings. He is still averaging just 8.5 points per game, his lowest total since 2005-06 when he was a rookie in Golden State. As such he remains useful only in the deepest of fantasy leagues at this point.

Ellis finished with three points (1-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 0-2 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 22 minutes during Sunday's 97-96 win over the Hawks.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis struggled badly on offense, and this is the third straight contest in which he has attempted less than 10 shots while committing at least three turnovers. He has mostly fallen off the map outside of deeper leagues, as his poor outside shooting has made it difficult for Pacers' coach Nate McMillan to play him alongside Paul George and Jeff Teague. If there's one benefit to Ellis coming off the bench, it's that he gets to operate with the ball in his hands more often. Nevertheless, Ellis is averaging less minutes, points, field-goal attempts, free-throw attempts, and steals than he has since he was a rookie back in 2005-06.

Ellis finished with 12 points (6-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt) with eight assists and seven rebounds over 32 minutes in Monday's 117-108 victory against the Rockets.

EDGE Analysis

The good news is that Ellis flirted with a triple-double. The bad news is that he turned it over six times, accounting for 28.6 percent (6-of-21) of the team's total miscues. He is averaging 12.0 points and 5.2 assists over his past nine outings despite coming off the bench. Ellis is a solid depth option for fantasy owners in need of points and assists in rotisserie formats.