New York

Knicks

Josh Hart’s absence with a knee injury meant a spot start for Shamet, but he was unable to take full advantage of the opportunity. The Knicks’ wing played 22 minutes before exiting during the third quarter with a sore right knee, and he did not offer much value before the departure. If the Knicks are down both wings on Sunday against the Wizards, Mohamed Diawara (eight points, seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two three-pointers) may be the next man up.

Brunson and the Knicks had a rough night in Brooklyn, but he got going in the fourth quarter and helped take home the victory. His percentages weren’t good, but category-league managers can benefit from the rebounds, assists and steals. Brunson and the Knicks end Week 21 on Sunday against the Wizards, another team headed for the draft lottery.

Questionable for Friday’s game for personal reasons, Towns was the biggest reason why the Knicks avoided what would have been an embarrassing defeat. Six of his game-high 15 rebounds came on the offensive glass, and KAT also led all players in points. With the Knicks hosting the Wizards on Sunday, that’s another game in which Towns may showcase, especially with Washington also playing on Saturday.

While the Knicks will have Towns (personal) for Friday’s game, they’re without Josh Hart (knee). Shamet returns to the starting lineup to fill the void, and there should also be more minutes available to Mohamed Diawara off the bench.

Added to the Knicks’ injury report on Friday morning, Towns is good to go. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, with Mitchell Robinson remaining in the backup spot.

Towns was left off the initial injury report, but popped up as questionable for personal reasons Friday morning. The 30-year-old center’s status for the game against the Nets is up in the air. Mitchell Robinson would start with Ariel Hukporti as the backup center if Towns is ruled out.

After enjoying his most productive scoring effort as a Knick in Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, Hart will not play on Friday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup for Landry Shamet, who is worth streaming in this spot.

Knicks coach Mike Brown expected Brunson to be back for this game, and he was a full participant in practice on Thursday. Now, he’ll officially return, which will push Jose Alvarado back to the bench after a strong performance as a starter.

Brunson did not play in Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, with Jose Alvarado replacing him in the starting lineup. The Knicks’ captain appears on track to return on Friday against the Nets, as he fully participated in Thursday’s practice.

Alvarado moved into the starting lineup with Jalen Brunson (ankle) sidelined for this game and took full advantage of the opportunity. He recorded a double-double for the first time this season and provided his usual dose of steals. Knicks coach Mike Brown said he’d “imagine” Brunson is back to take on the Nets on Friday, so this was likely just a one-game stream for Alvarado, though it’s worth keeping an eye on the injury report. It’s also worth noting how good Alvarado was in case Brunson misses more time in the future.