New York

Knicks

Unsurprisingly, Anunoby will remain sidelined for another game of this series. There were reports that suggested this might be the case, and now it’s official. It’s unclear if he could return for Game 6, but Precious Achiuwa should continue to start until OG is back.

Like many of the Knicks’ available rotation players, Hart appeared to be running on empty in Game 4. He was subbed out far earlier than usual (if he sits at all), and the nature of Sunday’s game led to Hart only playing 24 minutes. The 121-89 loss was a “burn the tape” game for New York, with the additional rest for Hart and the other mainstays in the rotation being the lone positive. The series is tied at two games apiece, with Game 5 set for Tuesday night.

Hartenstein wasn’t effective in Game 4, and things got even worse when he fell hard on his left arm/shoulder after attempting a layup. The good news for the Knicks is that he remained in the game, with the minutes total impacted more by the state of the game than the injury. However, with a host of Knicks already sidelined, the last thing the team needs is to lose another key rotation player. Following the game, iHart said he may have a pinched never in his shoulder, but X-rays were negative. Hartenstein said he’ll be fine for Game 5 on Tuesday, but don’t be surprised if his name appears on the initial injury report.

Brunson and the Knicks were never in Game 4, as the Pacers won the first quarter by a 34-14 margin and did not look back. New York’s star point guard missed his first six shot attempts and finished Sunday’s loss 0-of-5 from beyond the arc. If there’s anything the Knicks can take solace in, it’s that Sunday’s result only counts for one game, regardless of the margin. Also, the blowout led to the Knicks’ key options sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Game 5 is on Tuesday in New York, with the teams tied at two games apiece.

After catching fire in the Knicks’ Game 3 loss on Friday, DiVincenzo could not find his groove in Game 4. And that was the case for the team as a whole, as New York was outscored by a 34-14 margin in the first quarter and never got back into the game. DiVincenzo was subbed out late in the third quarter as the last starter to exit Sunday’s loss. The Knicks host Game 5 on Tuesday, with the series tied at two. Given how shorthanded New York is, their hope has to be that the extra time on the bench in Game 4 will give their stars a boost.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Anunoby was not expected to be available for Game 4, so this status update is unsurprising. Precious Achiuwa started Game 3 and had issues defending Pascal Siakam. Anunoby’s absence also freed up rotation minutes for Alec Burks, who scored 14 points on Friday.

That’s right, Alec Burks. After playing for one minute in Game 2, the veteran wing was in the rotation on Friday because the Knicks did not have OG Anunoby (hamstring). Give Burks credit for staying ready, as he made his first four shots from the field and gave New York welcome production off the bench. While the Knicks’ saw their series lead cut in half, getting 24 points from Burks and Miles McBride (10/1/1/1 with two 3-pointers in 29 minutes) is a positive takeaway. New York’s reserves outscored their Pacer counterparts by a 24-14 margin in Game 3, but it wasn’t enough to get the Knicks the win. Burks and McBride will have to offer similar production in Game 4 on Sunday, as Anunoby is unlikely to be available.

For the first time since Game 6 of the Knicks’ first-round series against Philadelphia, Hart rested. He still played 43 minutes, a surprisingly low number for the indefatigable wing. Hart corralled a playoff career-high 18 rebounds while dishing out four assists, remaining an impactful option on both ends of the floor. With OG Anunoby (hamstring) unavailable, the Knicks may get Hart a few minutes on the bench in the first half of Sunday’s Game 4. As long as Hart’s healthy, he’ll be on the court in crunch time.

Brunson did not look like himself early in Game 3, eventually subbing out with 6:55 remaining in the first quarter. The good news for the Knicks is that he still played 38 minutes and eventually got going as New York nearly stole a win on the road. The five turnovers were a concern, as the Pacers made Aaron Nesmith the primary defender, using a bigger body to make life difficult for Brunson. Now, there’s a quick turnaround for JB and the shorthanded Knicks to navigate, as Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon. Brunson may appear on the injury report but expect the Knicks point guard to take on his usual workload (or be close to it).

With OG Anunoby (hamstring) sidelined, the Knicks looked to DiVincenzo even more than usual in Game 3. And he answered the call, knocking down seven 3-pointers and scoring 35 points with a full stat line. The Pacers will pay even more attention to DiVincenzo in Sunday’s Game 4, but that isn’t going to make him “gun shy.” Look for the Big Ragu, who has scored at least 25 points in all three games of this series, to put up a lot of shots as the Knicks attempt to steal one on the road.