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Player Notes

  • Passive performance Wednesday
    McBride amassed four points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and one assist across 20 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 victory over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: McBride managed just four points in the win, struggling to find any real rhythm on the offensive end. Although his role has been somewhat limited to this point, OG Anunoby (hamstring) going down could open up an interesting opportunity. Should Anunoby be forced to miss time, look for McBride to potentially slide into the starting lineup for Game 3. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:47 pm
  • Cracks rotation Wednesday
    Burks closed Wednesday's 130-121 victory over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with zero points (0-1 FG) in one minute.

    Advice: Burks dusted himself off Wednesday, leaving the bench for the first time this postseason. Jalen Brunson was forced to the locker room during the second quarter, affording one minute of playing time to Burks. Given Brunson was able to return to the game, it is unlikely we see Burks again anytime soon. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:44 pm
    Alec BurksNYK - PG,SG,SF
    New Player Note
  • Drains three triples Wednesday
    Sheppard chipped in 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt) and one assist over 20 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to New York in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Sheppard continues to play meaningful minutes for the Pacers, connecting on three triples en route to 11 points. While the Pacers ended with six players logging double-digit scoring, it was still not enough to get over the hump in front of a vocal New York crowd. Sheppard should continue to serve as a three-point threat off the bench. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:40 pm
  • Leads all scorers in loss
    Haliburton totaled 34 points (11-19 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to New York in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Haliburton finally found some rhythm on the offensive end, putting up a game-high 34 points, including seven triples. Although the Pacers managed to put up a respectable total, their defense simply wasn't up to the task of slowing down the Knicks. With the series now shifting to Indiana, Haliburton will look to build on this performance in the hopes of keeping the series alive. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 9:38 pm
  • T.J. McConnell tallies 10 points, 12 assists
    T.J. McConnell played 23 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Knicks, scoring 10 points (5-of-9 FGs) with four rebounds and 12 assists.

    Advice: McConnell has played well in the first two games of this series, but that hasn’t been enough to convince Pacers coach Rick Carlisle to leave him on the court in crunch time. While the veteran point guard did the best job of making Jalen Brunson work for his scoring opportunities, starter Andrew Nembhard closed the game. While Nembhard (15 points, four assists, and one 3-pointer in 27 minutes) is more of a threat offensively, he has not been as effective defending Brunson in crunch time. While their places in the rotation may not change for Game 3 on Friday, don’t be surprised if McConnell’s minutes increase, as the Pacers can’t afford to fall into a 0-3 hole. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:27 pm
  • Donte DiVincenzo hits six 3-pointers, scores 28
    Donte DiVincenzo accounted for 28 points (10-of-20 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and six 3-pointers in 43 minutes in Wednesday’s 130-121 win over the Pacers.

    Advice: The Knicks held serve at home in the first two games, and DiVincenzo’s improved play is one reason. The “Big Ragu” has been on a bit of a heater, with his run of three straight games of 23 points or more beginning with the Game 6 win over Philadelphia. In the first two games against the Pacers, DiVincenzo has scored 53 points on 20-of-37 shooting from the field (11-of-21 from three). Indiana doesn’t defend as well as Philadelphia, especially on the wings, and the Knicks have taken advantage. DiVincenzo will look to keep his run going in Game 3 on Friday. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:55 pm
  • Josh Hart records 19/15/7/1/1 line in Game 2 win
    Josh Hart played all 48 minutes in Wednesday’s win over the Pacers, accumulating 19 points (8-of-12 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 15 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block, and one 3-pointer.

    Advice: Hart has played every minute of the Knicks’ last two games and has shown no signs of slowing down. If there has been an issue for him, it’s the turnovers, as he was responsible for five more on Wednesday. That said, Hart has done enough across the board to minimize the impact of those mistakes. The Knicks head to Indiana with a 2-0 lead, but injuries suffered by Jalen Brunson (foot) and OG Anunoby (hamstring) could put even more responsibility on Hart’s plate for Friday’s Game 3. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:50 pm
  • Jalen Brunson (foot) returns, scores 29 points
    Jalen Brunson (sore right foot) shot 11-of-18 from the field and 4-of-6 from the foul line in Wednesday’s 130-121 win over the Pacers, tallying 29 points, two rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three 3-pointers in 32 minutes.

    Advice: Brunson endured an injury scare during the first half of Game 2, exiting with 3:32 remaining in the first quarter. An apparent sore foot kept him in the locker room through halftime, but the Knicks point guard returned for the start of the third quarter. And it’s a good thing he did, as Brunson took over in the second half to lead the Knicks in scoring again. While his streak of 40-point games concludes, the Knicks taking a 2-0 series lead to Indianapolis is more important. Also, the Knicks are 6-1 in “clutch games” (games with a margin of five points or less with five minutes remaining) this postseason. Brunson said he’ll try to be available for Game 3 on Friday, so consider him questionable. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:39 pm
  • Won't return Wednesday
    Anunoby (left hamstring soreness) has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Pacers.

    Advice: Anunoby went straight to the locker room and was grabbing at his left hamstring after a shot attempt late in the third period. He'll be unable to return to the contest, leaving minutes for the likes of Miles McBride, Alec Burks and Precious Achiuwa. Anunoby's status should be monitored closely leading up to Friday's Game 3 at Indiana. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:59 pm