Player Notes

Augustin started for George Hill (concussion) in Thursday's Game 5 loss to the Knicks, scoring 12 points (3-9 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-5 FT) to go with two rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes of action.
Recommendation: Augustin has not seen significant minutes in the postseason but may have an increased run if Hill misses more games. While Hill says he isn't feeling terribly, the NBA concussion rules will require medical clearance for him to return.

Martin missed Wednesday's practice due to a sore right wrist, the New York Post reports.
Recommendation: Martin, who is also dealing with the flu, was seen wearing some sort of wrap on the wrist after Tuesday's Game 4 against the Pacers. However, the wrap is considered "precautionary," as the injury is not considered serious. Martin is not listed on the injury report for Thursday's Game 5.

Prigioni may return to the starting lineup for Thursday's Game 5 against Indiana, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Recommendation: Prigioni was held to the bench Tuesday, earning just three minutes on the court. However, if he does start Thursday, he should post something similar to his output from the first three games of the series - 3.3 points (on 50 percent shooting), 4.7 assists, 1.3 rebounds, 0.7 three-pointers, and 0.7 steals in 22.3 minutes.

Shumpert (knee) said he feels "fine" and he didn't feel any pain in Game 4, ESPN New York reports.
Recommendation: The Knicks are facing elimination in Game 5, so look for Shumpert to play without restrictions as the Knicks struggle to stay alive in the series.

Pachulia's rehabilitation from surgery on his partially torn right Achilles is progressing well, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Regarding his recovery, he stated, "I saw the doctor two weeks ago. I don't have any crutches... Doctors are pleased with how the surgery went and how the recovery is going."
Recommendation: The upcoming unrestricted free agent is confident that the injury will not affect his prospects negatively this summer. Still, Pachulia is just one month into a 4-to-6 month recovery process, which should have him ready to go once training camp starts up in late September. The 6-11, 240 center shouldn't find himself unemployed too incredibly long once free agency commences in July.

Novak could earn a bit more run in Tuesday's Game 4 at Indiana, as coach Mike Woodson is disappointed with the low number of three-point attempts from Saturday's loss, the New York Post reports.
Recommendation: Novak has garnered just seven garbage minutes in the first three outings of the second-round series, missing both of his attempts from beyond the arc. After attempting just 11 shots as a team from deep Saturday, Woodson may in fact trot Novak out there Tuesday to jump start a stagnant Knicks' offense.

Hamilton played 22 minutes in Game 4 Monday against the Heat and scored 11 points to go along with four assists, two three-pointers and one steal.
Recommendation: Hamilton logged significant minutes for the first time in the playoffs Monday as he was pressed into duty when Marco Belinelli found himself in foul trouble early. Hamilton may see increased minutes again in Game 5 Wednesday as the Bulls will try anything possible to extend the series.

Fisher scored three points (1-5 FG, 1-4 3Pt) in a Game 4 loss to the Grizzlies. He committed a costly turnover late in overtime that could have been the difference in the game.
Recommendation: As a late addition to the roster, Fisher has done a solid job of holding the fort at the backup point guard spot with Russell Westbrook (knee) out. He has not been spectacularly efficient, but stretches the floor for the Thunder offensively. The veteran shouldn't let his costly turnover affect him, as Fisher is known to handle pressure fairly well.

Drummond is expected to work with Hall-of-Fame big man Hakeem Olajuwon this offseason, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Recommendation: Drummond was a standout on the defensive end of the court in his rookie season, often flashing his potential dominance as a shot blocker and rebounder, but his offensive game remains extremely raw. If Olajuwon can help Drummond improve his post moves and shoot a better clip at the free-throw line, we could see a breakout from the 19-year-old big man in his sophomore season.

Smith, who missed the final 24 games of the regular season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, will not start basketball activities until training camp in the fall, the Times-Picayune reports.
Recommendation: Smith played a crucial role for the Pelicans last season, but now could be behind his teammates when the 2013-14 season begins due to his shoulder rehabilitation. He'll function as the fourth big man for the Pelicans next season behind Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson, and Robin Lopez.