NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 5/8

May 8th 2024

Ryan Schwepfinger

Each day, this column will provide live updates for all NBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current NBA slate.

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Indiana Pacers News

Confirmed Lineup: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

  • Bennedict Mathurin (shoulder) — Out for season

Similar to Game 1 against Milwaukee in the first round, Haliburton was unable to find his footing in the opener against the Knicks, totaling just six points and eight assists while going 2-6 from the field. He took six or fewer shots in just two of 69 regular-season appearances. He took only seven shots in the Game 1 loss to Milwaukee. He does continue to battle a back injury, but Indiana will need him to get going if they are going to have a chance against the Knicks.

On the bright side for the Pacers, TJ McConnell was stellar off the bench in Game 1, scoring 18 points while assertively taking 16 shots, making nine of them.

New York Knicks News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Isaiah Hartenstein

  • Mitchell Robinson (ankle) — Injured

  • Julius Randle (shoulder) — Out for season

  • Bojan Bogdanovic (foot, wrist) — Out for season

The Knicks overcame a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit to take Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at home. New York had to adjust to a new type of game environment; their first-round encounter with the 76ers was the slowest of all the playoff series so far, as it was played at a 91.09 pace. Monday's Game 1 against Indiana clocked in at a 98.00 pace rating, which would rank as the fastest playoff series this year if sustained.

The Pacers were the second-quickest team over the regular season with a 102.16 rating, trailing only the Wizards. The Knicks were the league's slowest team in the regular season (95.96). This contrast in style could continue to be the story of this series, as coach Thibodeau was unwilling to use his bench in any significant capacity. Four of five starters played 42 minutes or more in Game 1. Robinson is out for at least 6-8 weeks, meaning Precious Achiuwa will likely play regular minutes. Alec Burks could join the rotation as well.