Cracks rotation in victory McDermott played three minutes to close the game Friday, at which point the Pacers had the game sealed up. Having played a total of just 19 minutes in the series, it's safe to say that McDermott is not going to play a role in determining the outcome of what has been a fantastic series between two bitter rivals.
Improved performance Friday Nembhard put together arguably his best performance of the postseason, especially when it comes to his efforts on the defensive end. Having been worked over by Jalen Brunson in the past couple of games, Nembhard appeared as though he was focused on making amends for his recent shortcomings. Although Brunson ended with a game-high 31 points, many of those came with the game already in the bag for Indiana. If they are to walk out of Madison Square Garden with a victory Sunday, Nembhard is going to have to once again be more than a traffic cone on defense.
Productive despite limited minutes McConnell was a factor once again Friday, providing the Pacers with a boost on both ends of the floor. He continues to be an underrated piece for Indiana, continuing what has been arguably his best season as a professional. Despite typically playing no more than 20 minutes, McConnell has scored double-digits in five of the past seven games, while handing out a combined 45 assists during that period.
Rare appearance in loss Sims played four minutes of garbage time as the Knicks were soundly beaten by the Pacers. Known for playing his stars' heavy minutes, even in losses, common sense prevailed with Tom Thibodeau closing with his second unit. Despite another ankle injury to Mitchell Robinson, Sims has been unable to carve out a consistent role, something that doesn't bode well for his future when looking beyond this season.
Leads all scorers despite loss Brunson ended with a game-high 31 points, the majority of which came in the final quarter. He struggled to find his rhythm early in the game, at one point missing 11 consecutive shot attempts. The Knicks lost Josh Hart late in the game due to an abdominal injury. If the injury causes him to miss or at least play limited minutes in Game 7, Brunson will need to be at his absolute best, if New York has any chance of moving onto the next round.
Held in check Friday Hartenstein was unable to repeat his heroics from Game 5, grabbing just seven total rebounds in the loss. Coming off an astonishing 12 offensive rebounds, he struggled to have a meaningful impact as the Knicks were simply outclassed. With the series now deadlocked at 3-3, the two teams will face off for one final time in Madison Square Garden, with the winner moving on to face the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Leaves game early Hart has been powering through a variety of ailments in the playoffs, but the Knicks likely erred on the side of caution Friday due to the lopsided score. Presumably, Hart should be ready for Game 7 by Sunday, but there will be more clarity on Saturday when the Knicks practice.
Expected to miss start of Round 3 Porzingis has been sidelined since he sustained a calf injury in Game 4 of Boston's first-round series. Wojnarowski reports that Porzingis is making progress in his recovery, and there's some optimism that he could return at some point during the series. Boston will face the winner of the second-round series between the Knicks and Pacers, and the opening two games are slated for Tuesday and Thursday.
Listed as probable again Doncic hasn't missed a game this postseason despite being a regular on the injury report. That trend should continue Saturday as the Mavericks attempt to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Across the previous five matchups versus Oklahoma City, Doncic has averaged 23.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 1.8 steals in 41.0 minutes per game.
Remains out Prosper has yet to suit up this postseason while dealing with a left ankle sprain. While it is unclear when the rookie forward will return to action, it seems unlikely he will receive significant playing time even when available.
