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  • 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 32 minutes ago
     
  • Tyrese Haliburton bounces back, scores 34 points
    Tyrese Haliburton (lower back spasms) finished Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks with 34 points (11-of-19 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), six rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and seven 3-pointers in 35 minutes.

    Advice: After attempting just six shots in Monday’s Game 1 loss, Haliburton was the focus of many conversations. He was far more aggressive on offense in Game 2, attempting eight shots in the first quarter alone and finishing with a game-high 34 points. Haliburton can be even more aggressive on that end of the floor, which could happen in Game 3 on Friday. Despite the defeat, Wednesday’s performance was a step in the right direction for the All-Star point guard. Rotoworld 43 minutes ago
     
  • 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 Today, 7:39 pm
     
  • Returns for second half
    Brunson (foot) has returned for the second half of Wednesday's Game 2 matchup with the Pacers, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Brunson tweaked his foot during the first half and took an early trip to the locker room, but he started the second half for New York. However, the injury is clearly hampering him, as he's sporting a bit of a limp and he doesn't appear to be able to guard the opposing ball handler. It'll be interesting to see how he finishes the game. Rotowire.com Today, 6:30 pm
     
  • Jalen Brunson (foot) returns for third quarter
    Jalen Brunson (sore right foot) is on the court for the start of the third quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Pacers.

    Advice: Having exited with a little over three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Brunson was considered questionable to return. The All-Star point guard started the third quarter but has not looked like his usual self. Rotoworld Today, 6:24 pm
     
  • Jalen Brunson (foot) questionable to return Weds.
    Jalen Brunson (sore right foot) is questionable to return to Wednesday’s game against the Pacers.

    Advice: Brunson appeared to suffer a left hand injury during the first quarter of Wednesday’s Game 2 when he collided with Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard. However, the Knicks have announced that it’s a right foot issue that has kept him out of the game for most of the first half. Miles McBride will run the show until the Knicks get their All-Star point guard back, and this is a terrible turn of events for a team already lacking depth. Rotoworld Today, 5:59 pm
     
  • Has sore right foot
    Brunson is questionable to return to Wednesday's Game 2 against the Pacers with a sore right foot.

    Advice: Brunson went to the locker room late in the first and stayed there to start the second. The Knicks have given an update to his status, listing him as questionable to return with soreness in his right foot. Miles McBride should man the point guard spot for as long as Brunson is sidelined. Rotowire.com Today, 5:59 pm
     
  • In locker room to start second
    Brunson stayed in the locker room following the first quarter for unspecified reasons, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

    Advice: Brunson exited the contest late in the first period and went back to the locker room with an undisclosed injury and didn't return to the bench to start the second quarter. Until clarification is provided, Brunson should be considered questionable to return. Miles McBride should handle most of the point guard duties, while Shake Milton could see his first action of the playoffs. Rotowire.com Today, 5:50 pm
     
  • Tyrese Haliburton (back) available for Game 2 Wed.
    Tyrese Haliburton (lower back spasms) is available for Wednesday’s game against the Knicks.

    Advice: As expected, Haliburton is available and will start Game 2. He only attempted six shots in Game 1, which is way too low for a player of his caliber. Look for Haliburton to be far more involved in the Pacers offense as a scorer, which could cut into his assist tally. Rotoworld Today, 4:58 pm