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Player Notes

  • 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 36 minutes ago
    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 did end with six players in double-digits, it was still not enough to get over the line in front of a vocal New York crowd. Sheppard should continue to serve as a three-point threat off the bench. Rotowire.com 40 minutes ago
  • Quiet again Wednesday
    Nesmith totaled six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt), one rebound, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Nesmith managed just six points in the loss, continuing his disappointing postseason. While he does provide the Pacers with a reliable defensive asset, his inability to score on a consistent basis remains a concern. The series will now head to Indiana where the Pacers will look to secure their first win. Rotowire.com 45 minutes ago
  • 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 Today, 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 Today, 7:50 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 Today, 6:59 pm
  • Suffers torn Achilles
    Antetokounmpo recently sustained a torn Achilles' tendon and is set to undergo surgery in the near future, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Antetokounmpo has a long road ahead of him, with the recovery timeline from Achilles surgery for basketball players typically ranging from 9-to-12 months before a return to game action. His upcoming Achilles procedure will prevent him from competing alongside younger brother Giannis with the Greek national team in July in the pre-Olympic qualifying tournament, and he'll likely be in line to miss most, if not all, of the 2024-25 NBA season. The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, averaged 4.6 minutes per game over 34 appearances in 2023-24. Rotowire.com Today, 3:23 pm
  • Won't play Thursday
    Wade (knee) won't suit up for Thursday's Game 2 matchup with Boston.

    Advice: Wade has been out of commission for two months now, and with no positive updates to speak of, it's safe to assume he's still not close. Rotowire.com Today, 2:41 pm
    Dean WadeCLE - SF,PF
    New Player Note
    INJ
  • Leads Boston in scoring
    Brown notched 32 points (12-18 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one block across 34 minutes during Tuesday's 120-95 win over the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Jayson Tatum had a rough shooting performance in the series opener, but Brown was there to pick him up, and the latter led the Celtics in scoring with an impressive, efficient display on the offensive end of the court. Brown has scored 20 or more points in four of his last five playoff appearances, and he'll aim to keep that streak alive in Game 2 on Thursday. Rotowire.com Today, 7:04 am