• Cracks rotation in victory
    McDermott supplied zero points (0-1 FG) in three minutes during Friday's 116-103 victory over the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: McDermott played three minutes to close the game Friday, at which point the Pacers had the game sealed up. Having played a total of just 19 minutes in the series, it's safe to say that McDermott is not going to play a role in determining the outcome of what has been a fantastic series between two bitter rivals. Rotowire.com Today, 3:55 am
  • Rare appearance in loss
    Sims racked up one rebound, one assist and one block across four minutes during Friday's 116-103 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Sims played four minutes of garbage time as the Knicks were soundly beaten by the Pacers. Known for playing his stars' heavy minutes, even in losses, common sense prevailed with Tom Thibodeau closing with his second unit. Despite another ankle injury to Mitchell Robinson, Sims has been unable to carve out a consistent role, something that doesn't bode well for his future when looking beyond this season. Rotowire.com Today, 3:42 am
  • Donte DiVincenzo tallies 17 points, full stat line
    Donte DiVincenzo played 39 minutes in Friday’s 116-103 loss to the Pacers, tallying 17 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), four rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers.

    Advice: DiVincenzo has cooled off considerably since scoring 25 points or more in the series’ first three games. While he hit double figures in Game 6, the Big Ragu has gone 13-of-41 from the field in Games 4 through 6. With Jalen Brunson receiving constant defensive attention from the Pacers, the Knicks need more from DiVincenzo in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. The same can be said for reserve Alec Burks, who shot 2-of-8 from the field on Friday, especially if Josh Hart (abdomen) is limited or cannot play. Burks finished Game 6 with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one 3-pointer in 25 minutes. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:36 pm
  • Mid-range mastery: Pascal Siakam scores 25 points
    Pascal Siakam shot 11-of-21 from the field and 3-of-4 from the foul line in Friday’s win over the Knicks, scoring 25 points with seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 31 minutes.

    Advice: After getting blown out in Game 5, the Pacers returned the favor in Game 6 to keep their season alive. And Siakam was a significant part of that. Spicy P shot 11-of-19 from two, doing a lot of his damage in the mid-range. He led six Pacers in double figures with 25 points, and all five starters grabbed at least six rebounds. Siakam and the Pacers will need a similar effort in Game 7 on Sunday, as they are 1-5 on the road this postseason. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:07 pm
  • Leaves Game 6 early
    Hart exited in the fourth quarter of Friday's 116-103 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinal round with abdominal soreness and wasn't able to return. He finished with five points (2-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt), eight rebounds, three assists and one block in 31 minutes.

    Advice: Hart has been powering through a variety of issues in the playoffs, but the Knicks likely erred on the side of caution Friday in ruling him out late in the contest while the Pacers held a commanding lead. Presumably, Hart will be ready for Game 7 on Sunday, but there should be more clarity on Saturday when the Knicks practice. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:59 pm
  • Josh Hart (abdominals) will not return Friday
    Josh Hart (abdominal soreness) will not return to Friday’s game against the Pacers.

    Advice: Hart took a hit to the midsection during the first half of Game 6 and was never right after that. While he did his best to fight through the pain, the explosiveness was gone on both ends of the floor. With the Knicks on the wrong end of a blowout, the decision was made to give Hart a head start on treatment ahead of Sunday’s Game 7. New York already has a limited rotation, so not having him for the deciding game would be nearly catastrophic. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:48 pm
  • Woj: Porzingis likely to miss Games 1 and 2 of ECF
    According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) is unlikely to be available for Games 1 and 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: Injured during Game 4 of Boston’s first-round matchup with Miami, Porzingis missed Game 5 of that series and the second-round (five games) against Cleveland. On May 4, the 7-foot-3 big man said he was “slowly making progress” in his recovery, with the Celtics considering him to be week-to-week. Regardless of who the Celtics draw in the conference finals, Games 1 and 2 will be played on Tuesday (May 21) and Thursday (May 23) of next week. According to Wojnarowski, there is optimism that Porzingis will be available at some point in the series, with Boston taking on either New York or Indiana. Al Horford will remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. Rotoworld Yesterday, 5:13 pm
  • Expected to miss start of Round 3
    Porzingis (calf) is expected to miss the start of the third-round series in the Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

    Advice: Porzingis has been sidelined since he sustained a calf injury in Game 4 of Boston's first-round series. Wojnarowski reports that Porzingis is making progress in his recovery, and there's some optimism that he could return at some point during the series. Boston will face the winner of the second-round series between the Knicks and Pacers, and the opening two games are slated for Tuesday and Thursday. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:13 pm
  • Remains out
    Prosper (ankle) won't play in Saturday's Game 6 against the Thunder.

    Advice: Prosper has yet to suit up this postseason while dealing with a left ankle sprain. While it is unclear when the rookie forward will return to action, it seems unlikely he will receive significant playing time even when available. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:34 pm