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  • 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
     
  • 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
     
  • 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 Yesterday, 9:36 pm
     
  • Obi Toppin contributes 20 points in Game 2 loss
    Obi Toppin accounted for 20 points (7-of-10 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 20 minutes in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks.

    Advice: Indiana heads home trailing two games to none, but they should be encouraged by Toppin’s play in the Big Apple. After scoring 12 points in Game 1, he tallied 20 more in Game 2 and has reached double figures in six straight. Toppin’s play on Wednesday helped the Pacers on a night when they got little from Myles Turner (six points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot). Indiana’s bench dominated the first two games, outscoring New York by a 46-12 margin in Game 2. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:34 pm
     
  • Pascal Siakam scores 14 points in Game 2 loss
    Pascal Siakam shot 7-of-18 from the field and 0-of-2 from the foul line in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks, scoring 14 points with nine rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in 36 minutes.

    Advice: After shooting 73.2% from the foul line during the regular season, Siakam has been even worse in the playoffs. He missed both attempts in Game 2, falling to 16.7% (1-of-6) for the series. Add in the six games against the Bucks, and Siakam is now 7-of-28 (25%) for the postseason. The Knicks potentially losing OG Anunoby to a hamstring injury will impact how they defend Siakam, with Precious Achiuwa taking on the responsibility down the stretch of Game 2. Regardless of who’s defending Spicy P, he must be much better at the foul line. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:22 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
     
  • 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
     
  • OG Anunoby (hamstring) will not return Wednesday
    OG Anunoby (sore left hamstring) is out for the remainder of Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Pacers.

    Advice: Anunoby, who was on fire offensively, appeared to tweak his hamstring on a run-out during the third quarter. Soreness in his left hamstring is why the Knicks forward will not return to Game 2. Precious Achiuwa will play more minutes off the bench in Anunoby’s absence. OG finished with 28 points (10-of-19 FGs, 4-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, three assists, one block, and four 3-pointers in 28 minutes. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:57 pm