Jordan

Clarkson

It’s a veteran minimum deal for Clarkson, who turned 34 last month. He served as valuable depth during the Knicks’ championship run and will take on a similar role next season. With the Knicks aiming to be under the second apron, Clarkson is an important value signing for their offseason.

Landry Shamet played the role of offensive hero off the bench for the Knicks in Games 1 and 2, but it was Clarkson that filled that role in this one. He hit some big shots to keep the Knicks close, though it didn’t end up being enough for them to get the win. The veteran scorer is capable of getting hot when needed, but there is no guarantee he continues to produce to this level as the series continues.

The Knicks secured the No. 3 seed with their win over the Raptors on Friday, so the only starter who will play on Sunday is Mikal Bridges due to his streak of consecutive games played. Anunoby was injured during the first half of Friday’s game, with Landry Shamet replacing him in the lineup. Shamet and Jordan Clarkson may see boosts to their minutes, and Pacôme Dadiet should play more since there isn’t anything on the line seeding-wise.

Of the Knicks’ five starters, Bridges may be the only one guaranteed to play in Sunday’s game against the Hornets, preserving his consecutive games played streak. However, fantasy managers in active leagues who are rostering Bridges should not expect him to play starters’ minutes. Jordan Clarkson (10/1/4) and Mohamed Diawara (3/1/1/1) are likely to see their opportunities increase in the regular season finale.

Brunson and Deuce will be available after sitting out Wednesday, and both should handle their typical workloads. Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson should all see their minutes reduced with New York’s top two point guards available.

Alvarado gets the start for the injured Jalen Brunson (ankle) on the second night of a back-to-back. He’ll join the usual starters and will have a chance to increase his production on both ends of the floor. Jordan Clarkson could play an even bigger role off the bench.

Making his first appearance in a game since January 27 after undergoing sports hernia surgery, McBride may have aggravated the issue during Sunday’s loss to the Thunder. The good news is that he’s questionable for Tuesday’s game. If McBride can’t play on Tuesday, Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara would see their minutes increase.

Sunday’s game was the first for McBride since January 27, as he was returning from sports hernia surgery. During a scramble for a loose ball, the Knicks guard reached for his inner thigh area. While he was able to walk back to the bench without assistance, McBride did so gingerly. He did not return to the bench after heading to the locker room, and the severity of McBride’s injury is unknown. If he heads back to the sidelines, those minutes are likely to go to Jordan Clarkson, as Mohamed Diawara’s playing time has decreased recently.

Shamet has missed New York’s last three games with a knee injury, and he appears likely to sit out a fourth when the Knicks visit the Thunder on Sunday. Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara have moved up in the rotation, but neither has been consistent enough offensively to merit streaming in most leagues.

Thursday’s game will be the third that Shamet has missed due to a tibial plateau contusion in his right knee. Jordan Clarkson and Mohamed Diawara are the players who will absorb those minutes, with the former having taken on more playing time recently.