Player Notes

Copeland will "absolutely" play increased minutes going forward, according to Coach Mike Woodson.
Recommendation: Copeland scarcely played in the Knicks' first round series against Boston and played a playoff-high 19 minutes in Thursday's Game 5 victory over the Pacers. The 29-year-old rookie scored 13 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3 Pt) and made some key hustle plays to spark a run in the second half. More time for Copeland will likely mean less for Jason Kidd and Amare Stoudemire.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said Rose (knee) will "be ready to go next year," the Chicago Tribune reports.
Recommendation: Despite the ongoing speculation of his status throughout the year, Rose ended up sitting out all of the 2012-13 season, as he ultimately lacked full confidence in his surgically repaired left knee. A full offseason and slate of preseason games should help Rose regain his mojo for next season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Splitter (ankle) had five points, two rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 19 minutes Sunday in the Spurs' overtime loss to the Warriors.
Recommendation: Splitter has now played 19 minutes in back-to-back tilts, and has yet to really make an impact on this second round series -- a trend that could continue in Game 5 on Tuesday.