
IND • Forward • #5
6 months ago
Walker injured his right ankle during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals and was already ruled out for the first two games of the NBA Finals. Based on Carlisle’s comments during his availability ahead of Sunday’s Game 2, the Pacers will be without their forward for the foreseeable future. Walker is still using one crutch to move around, but he may be able to ditch the apparatus in the “next day or so.” Walker’s continued absence does not significantly impact Indiana’s rotation, even with Carlisle’s willingness to go deep into his bench. Obi Toppin will continue to play most of the backup power forward minutes.
Source: Dan Devine

IND • Forward • #1
6 months ago
Toppin has been solid throughout this postseason, but he hasn’t had many big scoring nights. However, after he had 18 points in the Game 6 clincher over the Knicks, he added 17 more to kick off the Finals, with 15 of those points coming from beyond the arc. If Toppin is able to continue to make an impact off the bench like he did in this game, there should be more wins coming for the Pacers.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Indiana dominated on the glass in this game, but it wasn’t just because of the bigs. Nesmith was the leading rebounder in this game and was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds. However, they lost the turnover battle 24-6, and Nesmith contributed five of those. The only player with more was Myles Turner, who coughed it up six times. Indiana won this game and still has things to clean up, which is an encouraging sign for them moving forward in this series.

IND • Forward • #43
6 months ago
It was a balanced attack for Indiana as they stole Game 1 on the road, but Siakam was the one that ended up as the leading scorer. He was one of six players to score in double figures, with nobody reaching 20 points. The MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals will continue to play an important role for Indiana for the remainder of the series as they now sit three wins away from a championship.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Somehow, some way, the Pacers completed yet another comeback to steal Game 1 of the Finals on the road. Haliburton nailed a mid-range jumper with 0.3 seconds remaining to give the Pacers the lead in the game and in the series. It wasn’t a spectacular game for him, and the entire team struggled offensively. However, they dominated the glass, and Haliburton was one of three Pacers to grab at least 10 rebounds as they outrebounded OKC 56-39. That helped make up for the Thunder winning the turnover matchup 24-6. It wasn’t a great game for either team, but Indiana came out on top. Game 2 will be on Sunday.
IND • • #
6 months ago
Bradley and Thomas Bryant have taken turns filling out the backup center minutes in the postseason, and with Bradley available for Game 1 of the Finals, he could see a few minutes off the bench. However, he has only reached 10 minutes twice during Indiana’s playoff run. His presence won’t have a significant impact on the game.
Source: Indiana Pacers
IND • • #
6 months ago
Bradley suffered a strained left hip flexor during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. While he was made available for Game 6 on Saturday, the Pacers’ backup center did not see any time, with Rick Carlisle deciding to go with Thomas Bryant as Myles Turner’s backup instead. Even if Bradley is available for Thursday’s series opener in Oklahoma City, that does not guarantee he’ll get on the court.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • • #
6 months ago
One year after signing a three-year extension, Thibodeau is out as head coach of the Knicks. New York had back-to-back 50-win seasons and made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years under Thibodeau, but the team is looking for a new voice to help the organization get over the hump after five years with coach Thibs. The Knicks’ pursuit of a championship for the first time since 1973 will begin this offseason with the search for a new coach.
Source: Shams Charania

IND • Forward • #5
6 months ago
At the earliest, Walker could return for Game 3 on June 11. Though Walker has had some solid minutes, he hasn’t played a significant role for the Pacers in the playoffs to this point. Obi Toppin will continue to fill out the majority of the backup power forward minutes.
Source: Alex Golden

IND • Forward • #5
6 months ago
The Pacers sealed their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000 on Saturday, defeating the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals to win the series. The lone negative was the right ankle injury suffered by Walker, who landed awkwardly during the fourth quarter. The second-year forward required assistance back to the locker room and did not return. During his postgame availability, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said he was unsure what Walker’s status for the NBA Finals would be. Indiana has the depth to withstand Walker’s absence if he cannot play, but this would leave Carlisle with one less potential option to call on.
Source: ESPN

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
Brunson took the Knicks as far as they could go this year. In a must-win situation on the road in Game 6, the 28-year-old point guard faced the toughest Pacers defense he’d seen all series. Brunson’s 19 points were the lowest total he had in the series. He turned the ball over five times and was -18 in 34 minutes as the Knicks season came to an end in Game 6. Brunson had a number of accomplishments this year such as being honored by the All-NBA team, Clutch Player of the Year, and taking the Knicks as far in the playoffs as they’ve been in 25 years. While Brunson was excellent in these playoffs, his supporting cast wasn’t enough for the Knicks to make the Finals. New York will head into the offseason with questions surrounding the direction of the team after falling short in the playoffs once again.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton followed up an unexpected Game 5 clunker with an excellent performance in Game 6 to send the Knicks packing. Haliburton put the Pacers up 20 points with under a minute left in the fourth quarter with deep three-pointer. The 25-year-old point averaged 21.0 points per game, 10.5 assists per fame and 6.0 rebounds per game in the series. The Pacers will have a few days off before the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday with Game 1 against the Thunder.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton followed up an unexpected Game 5 clunker with an excellent performance in Game 6 to send the Knicks packing. Haliburton put the Pacers up 20 points with under a minute left in the fourth quarter with deep three-pointer. The 25-year-old point averaged 21.0 points per game, 10.5 assists per fame and 6.0 rebounds per game in the series. The Pacers will have a few days off before the NBA Finals tips off on Thursday with Game 1 against the Thunder.

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
Brunson took the Knicks as far as they could go this year. In a must-win situation on the road in Game 6, the 28-year-old point guard faced the toughest Pacers defense he’d seen all series. Brunson’s 19 points were the lowest total he had in the series. He turned the ball over five times and was -18 in 34 minutes as the Knicks season came to an end in Game 6. Brunson had a number of accomplishments this year such as being honored by the All-NBA team, Clutch Player of the Year, and taking the Knicks as far in the playoffs as they’ve been in 25 years. While Brunson was excellent in these playoffs, his supporting cast wasn’t enough for the Knicks to make the Finals. New York will head into the offseason with questions surrounding the direction of the team after falling short in the playoffs once again.

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
Brunson took the Knicks as far as they could go this year. In a must-win situation on the road in Game 6, the 28-year-old point guard faced the toughest Pacers defense he’d seen all series. Brunson’s 19 points were the lowest total he had in the series. He turned the ball over five times and was -18 in 34 minutes as the Knicks season came to an end in Game 6. Brunson had a number of accomplishments this year such as being honored by the All-NBA team, Clutch Player of the Year, and taking the Knicks as far in the playoffs as they’ve been in 25 years. While Brunson was excellent in these playoffs, his supporting cast wasn’t enough for the Knicks to make the Finals. New York will head into the offseason with questions surrounding the direction of the team after falling short in the playoffs once again.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton followed up a clunker of a game in Game 5 with an excellent performance in Game 6. Haliburton put the Pacers up 20 points with under a minute left in the fourth quarter with deep three-pointer. The 25-year-old point averaged 21.0 points per game, 10.5 assists per fame and 6.0 rebounds per game in the series. The Pacers will have a few days off before NBA Finals Game 1 against the Thunder on Thursday June 5.

IND • Forward • #43
6 months ago
Siakam set the tone for the Pacers once again in Game 6, scoring early and often. The 31-year-old power forward averaged 24.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game in the series with 52.4 percent shooting and 50 percent from behind the three-point line. The Pacers use a deep rotation that plays a fast pace of basketball, but Siakam was the clear difference-maker in the series.

IND • Guard-Forward • #2
6 months ago
Nembhard did a little bit of everything in Game 6. He certainly bothered Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who had just 19 points. Nembhard’s six steals were the most ever by a player in a closeout game in NBA history. Towards the end of the game, he had bothered Brunson enough that he head-butted Nembhard. The 25-year-old point guard was +25 in 37 minutes as the Pacers advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

IND • Center-Forward • #3
6 months ago
While Tony Bradley (hip) dressed for Game 6, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle opted to replace him in the rotation with Thomas Bryant. It was one of those coaching decisions that die-hard Pacers fans will remember for years to come. Bryant only played 13 minutes in Game 6, but he caught fire hitting three three-pointers and blocking a shot in the second half. Bryant’s contributions gave the Pacers a lift in closing out the Knicks in the second half of Game 6.

IND • Forward • #43
6 months ago
Siakam set the tone for the Pacers once again in Game 6, scoring early and often. The 31-year-old power forward averaged 24.8 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game in the series with 52.4 percent shooting and 50 percent from behind the three-point line. The Pacers use a deep rotation that plays a fast pace of basketball, but Siakam was the difference-maker in the series and earned the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals.
IND • • #
6 months ago
Bradley injured his hip in Thursday’s Game 5 and didn’t return. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told reporters that while the 27-year-old center will dress, it’ll be an in-game decision as to whether he plays or not. Thomas Bryant could play rotation minutes if Bradley ultimately isn’t used. While Bradley hasn’t had much of an impact on the stat sheet, his size would be useful against the Knicks’ frontline.
Source: James Boyd
IND • • #
6 months ago
While Bradley has not been statistically impactful in the Eastern Conference Finals, his strength has been helpful in the Pacers’ matchup with Knicks center and elite offensive rebounder Mitchell Robinson. He strained his left hip flexor during Thursday’s Game 5 defeat and did not return, resulting in Thomas Bryant re-entering the rotation. If Bradley cannot play on Saturday, Bryant should play rotation minutes, but he was not effective in prior matchups with Robinson.
Source: NBA Injury Report

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
6 months ago
Mathurin led the Pacers in scoring as Indiana lost Game 5 by 17 points to the Knicks. The 22-year-old played 25 minutes off the bench, by far the most he’s played in these playoffs. Mathurin has scored 43 points in 37 minutes over the last two games. He figures to be involved once again as the Pacers will look to close out the series at home in Game 6 on Saturday.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton followed up his brilliant Game 4 performance that brought the Pacers one win away from an NBA Finals appearance with a dud in Game 5. The 25-year-old point guard perhaps suffered more than anyone from the slowed-down pace of Game 5 compared to the rest of the series. Haliburton managed just eight points on seven shots as he was largely taken out of the game by the Knicks defense. The Pacers will have two more chances to close out the series, starting with Game 6 in Indiana on Saturday.

NYK • Guard • #3
6 months ago
Hart came off the bench again as he has for the past three games now. The 30-year-old shooting guard continues to play heavy minutes despite his ouster from the starting lineup. Hart had perhaps his biggest impact of the series in this game as he scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It’s likely the Knicks will continue to roll with Mitchell Robinson in the starting lineup in Game 6, though Hart should still play at least 30 minutes off the bench.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
Towns came through for the Knicks again in Game 5 despite playing through a knee injury. The 29-year-old power forward had 24 points as he was able to be Jalen Brunson’s running mate yet again in this series. Towns and Brunson became the first teammates to each score at least 20 points in the first five games of a Conference Finals since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in 2002. Despite the injury, Towns played well and seems poised for another big game on the road as the Pacers host Game 6 on Saturday.

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
Brunson became one of 10 guards in NBA playoff history to have at least 10 games with at least 30 points in a single playoffs. The 28-year-old point guard was plus-18 in 34 minutes as the Knicks were facing elimination at home in Game 5. Brunson will once again be the Knicks’ go-to guy as they look to force a Game 7 with a win in Indiana during Saturday’s Game 6.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
No surprise here as Towns is available after he was initially listed as questionable. The 29-year-old power forward injured his knee towards the end of Game 4 and was noticeably limping despite staying in the game. Towns is in the starting lineup for Game 5, but if his mobility is significantly impacted, Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart will have to step up for the Knicks to extend this series to a Game 6.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Nesmith was also questionable for Game 4, but played 32 minutes as the Pacers took a commanding 3-1 lead in the series. The 25-year-old small forward was the hero in the Pacers’ Game 1 victory and is poised to play through the ankle injury once again in Game 5. Bennedict Mathurin and Ben Sheppard could see extra minutes off the bench if Nesmith is limited in any way or re-aggravates the injury.
Source: Pacers

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
While it’s likely that Towns will be available for Game 5, the question is how and if his mobility will be impacted. The 29-year-old power forward was the hero in the Knicks’ comeback win in Game 3 and had another strong second-half showing in Game 4 before bumping knees with the Pacers’ Aaron Nesmith in the fourth quarter. Towns stayed in the game, but was noticeably limping. If he’s less than 100 percent for Game 5, it will be that much more difficult for the Knicks to force a Game 6.
Source: James Edwards

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
With their season on the line, the Knicks could potentially be without Towns for Game 5. Already dealing with a lingering left knee injury, the 7-footer suffered a contusion when he banged knees with Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith during the fourth quarter of Monday’s Game 4 defeat. While Towns stayed in the game, he was limping noticeably. If Towns cannot play on Thursday, Josh Hart will likely return to the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Despite spraining his right ankle during the second half of Game 3, Nesmith started and played 32 minutes in Tuesday’s Game 4 victory. Fans should operate under the assumption that he’ll play on Thursday as the Pacers look to earn their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000. If Nesmith is limited or cannot play, Bennedict Mathurin and Ben Sheppard will be of greater importance to the Pacers, with one moving into the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
Towns was the hero in the Knicks’ comeback win in Game 3 and it looked like he might be able to do it again with a strong second half before the Pacers pulled away in the fourth quarter. The 29-year-old power forward continued to play hard down the stretch and appeared to injure his knee late in the game. The Knicks will need a healthy Towns if they’re going to extend this series to a Game 6, let alone pull off a comeback from down 3-1 in the series.

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
While the Knicks opted to start Mitchell Robinson over Josh Hart again, Hart ended up playing 36 minutes. The Knicks usual starters Brunson, Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony-Towns all played at least 34 minutes. Of those players, Brunson’s -16 was the worst. The 28-year-old point guard has struggled defensively, which isn’t his strong suit. With the Pacers pushing the pace and scoring 130 points, Brunson’s 31 points matter less in the grand scheme of things. Brunson and the Knicks will be looking to avoid elimination in Game 5 back at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
While the Knicks opted to start Mitchell Robinson over Josh Hart again, Hart ended up playing 36 minutes. The Knicks usual starters Brunson, Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony-Towns all played at least 34 minutes. Of those players, Brunson’s minus 16 was the worst. The 28-year-old point guard has struggled defensively, which isn’t his strong suit. With the Pacers pushing the pace and scoring 130 points, Brunson’s 31 points mattered less in the grand scheme of things. Brunson and the Knicks will be looking to avoid elimination in Game 5 back at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
6 months ago
Mathurin has only played sparingly in these playoffs but gave the Pacers a shot in the arm with his play off the bench in Game 4 on Tuesday. The 22-year-old small forward had 20 points in just 12 minutes off the bench. Mathurin excelled at getting to the free throw line as he made 11-of-12 free throws. Ben Sheppard has cut into Mathurin’s minutes in these playoffs and that will likely continue. While Mathurin was more effective in Game 4, Sheppard has also been a key role player for the Pacers during this playoff run.

IND • Forward • #43
6 months ago
Siakam had his second game in the Eastern Conference finals with at least 30 points in Game 4. It’s no coincidence the Pacers have won each of those games. The Pacers have made the Knicks play their up-tempo style for most of this series and that’s a major factor in the Pacers’ 3-1 advantage in the series. Siakam has been a key player seemingly scoring at will against New York.

IND • Forward • #43
6 months ago
Siakam had his second game in the Eastern Conference finals with at least 30 points in Game 4. It’s no coincidence the Pacers have won each of those games. The Pacers have made the Knicks play their up-tempo style for most of this series and that’s a major factor in the Pacers’ 3-1 advantage. Siakam has been a key player seemingly scoring at will against New York.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton was excellent from the opening tip in Game 4 as he led the Pacers to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 25-year-old point guard had 20 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and zero turnovers in the first half, becoming the first player in the play-by-play era (since the 1996-97 season) to achieve this in a half of basketball in the regular season or playoffs. By the end of the game, Haliburton joined Baron Davis as the only players in playoff history with a triple-double, at least 30 points and zero turnovers. His efforts have helped bring the Pacers to be one win away from the NBA Finals. Indiana will have the chance to close out the Knicks in Game 5 on Thursday.

IND • Guard • #0
6 months ago
Haliburton was excellent from the tip-off in Game 4 as he lead the Pacers to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. The 25-year-old point guard had 20 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and zero turnovers in the first half, becoming the first player in the play-by-play era (since the 1996-97 season) to achieve this in a half of basketball in the regular season or playoffs. By the end of the game, Haliburton joined Baron Davis as the only players in playoff history with a triple-double, at least 30 points and zero turnovers. His efforts have helped bring the Pacers to be one win away from the NBA Finals. Indiana will have the chance to close out the Knicks in Game 5 on Thursday.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Nesmith suffered a right ankle sprain in Game 3 and was initially listed as questionable. The 25-year-old small forward landed on Jalen Brunson’s foot after a shot attempt in the third quarter of Sunday’s Game 3. Nesmith played just 26 minutes in Game 3. He played the hero in Game 1 when he dropped 30 points in the Pacers’ overtime win and seems poised to play through the ankle injury in Game 4 Tuesday.
Source: Shams Charania

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Nesmith sprained his right ankle during the third quarter of Sunday’s Game 3, as he landed on Jalen Brunson’s foot after attempting a shot. While he did return to the game during the fourth quarter after getting the ankle retaped, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star reported that Nesmith was in pain when he woke up Monday morning. The expectation is that he’ll be a game-time decision for Game 4. While Bennedict Mathurin has been Nesmith’s injury replacement in the past, Ben Sheppard may be a better fit due to his superior defensive ability. No Nesmith would also mean Andrew Nembhard would be asked to defend Jalen Brunson more.
Source: Indiana Pacers

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
6 months ago
While the Knicks’ rally from a 20-point deficit had already begun, Nesmith rolling his right ankle during the third quarter was a critical turning point. The Pacers held a 70-57 lead at the time, and while they would push their advantage out to 15 later in the period, not having Nesmith on the court was impactful on both ends. Defensively, the Pacers missed their best perimeter defender, and there were also spacing issues as the Knicks locked down on the other end of the floor. Not having a capable catch-and-shoot option in Nesmith factored into Indiana blowing the lead. They still lead the series two games to one, and Nesmith did return during the fourth quarter. But his injury is something to watch in the lead-up to Tuesday’s Game 4.
Source: Tony East

NYK • Guard • #11
6 months ago
While the final points tally may have been solid, Brunson did not have a good Game 3. Shooting 33.3 percent from the field, the Knicks’ point guard also picked up four fouls during the first half. While Brunson did not pick up his fifth until just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, New York was more cohesive when he was on the bench. The Knicks aren’t going to bench Brunson for Tuesday’s Game 4. But they’ll need him to be much better to even this series at two games apiece.

NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
6 months ago
Anunoby was impactful on both ends of the floor Sunday night, but the shot volume may have been a bit low for a player making nearly 67 percent of his attempts. The Knicks wing had four defensive contributions in Game 3, including an emphatic block of an Aaron Nesmith jumper with 3:39 remaining in the fourth quarter and New York leading by four. Sunday’s victory was the latest example of Anunoby not needing to be an offensive focal point to impact the action. He’ll look to do the same in Game 4 on Tuesday.

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
6 months ago
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau decided to make a lineup change on Sunday, replacing Josh Hart with Robinson. While the move would not be considered as the reason why New York won the game, both players were impactful in their new roles. Robinson recorded a complete stat line and provided a needed boost defensively, while Hart contributed eight points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal in 34 minutes off the bench. Given the outcome, it would be unsurprising if the Knicks stuck with the Game 3 starting lineup for Tuesday’s Game 4.

NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 months ago
To say Towns played poorly in the first three quarters of Game 3 would be fair. He shot 2-of-8 from the field, scoring four points. The good news for the Knicks is that Towns flipped the switch in the final frame, scoring 20 points and shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Interestingly, most of his damage was done when Jalen Brunson was on the bench due to foul trouble. Towns made some history with this performance, becoming the fourth Knick in franchise history to account for at least 20 points and 15 rebounds in a conference finals game. The other three players were Dave DeBusschere (four times), Willis Reed (twice) and Patrick Ewing (twice). Despite trailing by as much as 20, New York managed to pick up its first win in the series, and KAT had much to do with that. Game 4 is on Tuesday night.
Source: NBA Stat

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
6 months ago
For the first time this season, the Knicks have made a change to the starting lineup that did not involve an injury. Robinson will start, giving New York a superior defender and offensive rebounder, with Josh Hart heading to the bench. While Hart can still supply energy in the sixth-man role, New York will need better defense from its other starters, notably Karl-Anthony Towns.
Source: James Edwards III

NYK • Center-Forward • #23
6 months ago
This isn’t a total surprise after Hart played 29 minutes in Game 2, which was the first time he played less than 30 minutes in these playoffs. Robinson, who has been lauded by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle in interviews throughout the series, played 29 minutes in Game 2 as well, though it was the most minutes he’s played this postseason. Robinson appeared to roll his ankle in the third quarter of Game 2, but must be feeling well if the Knicks are considering starting him now. The Knicks’ starting lineup is -50 in the playoffs and -29 so far in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York is a desperate team heading into Game 3 on Sunday after dropping the first two games of the series at home and coach Tom Thibodeau is searching for answers.
Source: Ian Begley