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  • Passive performance Wednesday
    McBride amassed four points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and one assist across 20 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 victory over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: McBride managed just four points in the win, struggling to find any real rhythm on the offensive end. Although his role has been somewhat limited to this point, OG Anunoby (hamstring) going down could open up an interesting opportunity. Should Anunoby be forced to miss time, look for McBride to potentially slide into the starting lineup for Game 3. Rotowire.com Today, 9:47 pm
     
  • 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 Today, 9:44 pm
     
  • Leads all scorers in loss
    Haliburton totaled 34 points (11-19 FG, 7-11 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, nine assists and three steals in 35 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to New York in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Haliburton finally found some rhythm on the offensive end, putting up a game-high 34 points, including seven triples. Although the Pacers managed to put up a respectable total, their defense simply wasn't up to the task of slowing down the Knicks. With the series now shifting to Indiana, Haliburton will look to build on this performance in the hopes of keeping the series alive. Rotowire.com Today, 9:38 pm
     
  • 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 Today, 8:27 pm
     
  • 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 Today, 8:16 pm
     
  • 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