• Nickeil Alexander-Walker scores 14 points Tuesday
    Nickeil Alexander-Walker finished Tuesday’s 112-97 loss to Denver with 14 points (5-of-12 FGs), two rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and four 3-pointers in 39 minutes.

    Advice: Due to Mike Conley (Achilles) sitting out Game 5, Alexander-Walker was moved into the starting lineup. While he did finish with a minus-13, the overall stat line was solid. NAW made four of his eight 3-point attempts, and his five assists were countered by one turnover. Alexander-Walker’s place in the rotation for Thursday’s Game 6 depends on Conley’s availability; clearly, he will return to the bench if the Timberwolves’ starting point guard can play. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:26 pm
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hits four triples Tuesday
    Kentavious Caldwell-Pope logged 38 minutes in Tuesday’s win over Minnesota, amassing 16 points (6-of-8 FGs), five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers.

    Advice: With Michael Porter Jr. (6/7/1/0/2 with two 3-pointers) shooting 2-of-10 from the field, the Nuggets needed additional production from Caldwell-Pope. The veteran guard stepped up, with the 16 points and four 3-pointers being series-highs for him. KCP entered the series at less than full strength, impacting his production early on. But he looked sharp in Game 5, and the Nuggets are now one win away from a return to the Western Conference Finals. Game 6 is on Thursday night in Minneapolis. Rotoworld Yesterday, 10:18 pm
  • Alec Burks hits five 3-pointers, scores 18 points
    Alec Burks finished Tuesday’s 121-91 win over the Pacers with 18 points (6-of-11 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, and five 3-pointers in 23 minutes.

    Advice: Injuries have thrust Burks into the Knicks’ rotation, and the veteran wing has taken advantage of his opportunity. He’s scored at least 14 points in each of the series’ last three games, giving New York much-needed production. While Burks scoring 20 points in Sunday’s Game 4 defeat did not matter much, that wasn’t the case in Game 5. The Knicks effectively run a seven-man rotation, so Burks won’t lack playing time or opportunities to shine. He’s shown that there’s still something left in the tank. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:14 pm
  • Josh Hart posts 18/11/3/1/1 line in Game 5 blowout
    Josh Hart accumulated 18 points (7-of-16 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers in 39 minutes in Tuesday’s 121-91 win over the Pacers.

    Advice: Following Sunday’s Game 4 defeat, Hart admitted he did not bring the usual energy to the court. That wasn’t an issue in Game 5, as the extra time spent on the bench during that blowout loss may have refreshed the Knicks’ legs. Hart finished the 30-point win with a full stat line and a double-double, his fourth of the series. And his defensive assignment changed, as the decision to move Miles McBride into the starting lineup pushed Hart onto Pascal Siakam. Expect more of the same in Game 6 on Friday, with the Knicks looking to end the series. Rotoworld Yesterday, 8:10 pm
  • Double-double in Game 5
    Hart supplied 18 points (7-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 39 minutes in Tuesday's 121-91 win over Indiana in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: After being a non-factor in the Knicks' Game 4 loss Sunday, Hart bounced back to grab double-digit rebounds for the eighth time this postseason. Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass in Game 5, combing for 28 of the Knicks' 53 rebounds Tuesday. Hart is averaging 15.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals over 43.6 minutes per game this postseason. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:09 pm
  • MIN starting NAW, Edwards, Jaden, Towns, Gobert
    Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Rudy Gobert will start Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Nuggets.

    Advice: The Timberwolves are without Mike Conley, who injured his right Achilles tendon on the final play of Sunday’s Game 4 defeat. Alexander-Walker moves into the starting lineup, which also means even more opportunities for Edwards to serve as the primary playmaker. Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris could enter the rotation, as Minnesota will need them to help navigate Conley’s absence. Rotoworld Yesterday, 7:04 pm
  • Gets starting nod
    Alexander-Walker is in the starting five for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Nuggets.

    Advice: Alexander-Walker will replace Mike Conley (Achilles) in the starting lineup Tuesday. Alexander-Walker averaged 11.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.3 minutes across his previous 10 starting appearances this season, which all came during the regular season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:04 pm
  • Likely out for remainder of series
    Anunoby (hamstring) is targeting a return for the Eastern Conference Finals, per Chris Haynes on TNT's NBA Tip-Off broadcast.

    Advice: Anunoby is already set to miss his third straight game Tuesday due to a left hamstring strain and now appears likely to miss the remainder of the series against Indiana. If the Knicks are able to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, Anunoby should reclaim his starting spot. However, Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa will likely continue to receive increased playing time in his absence. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:34 pm
  • OG Anunoby (hamstring) progresses to on-court work
    Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said before Tuesday’s Game 5 against the Pacers that OG Anunoby (left hamstring strain) has progressed to doing some on-court rehab work.

    Advice: Injured during the third quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory, Anunoby has not played since. He was already ruled out for Game 5, and the progression to on-court work is progress. However, he still is not a full go, so it appears to be a long shot that Anunoby will be available for Game 6 on Thursday. Precious Achiuwa will remain in the starting lineup, with Miles McBride playing additional minutes off the bench. Rotoworld Yesterday, 3:42 pm