NYK • Center • #55
Hukporti is back after missing over a month with a torn meniscus in his right knee. However, this is very much a “break in case of emergency” situation, as Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa are also available. Don’t expect to see Hukporti on the floor unless there are multiple injuries or the game gets out of hand.
1 day ago
April 19, 2025 9:37 PM
NYK • Guard • #1
1 day ago
With the Knicks trailing the Pistons by eight at the end of the third quarter, the home team needed a spark in Saturday’s series opener. Enter Payne, who hit two three-pointers and shot 4-of-5 from the field in the fourth. His production was part of a 21-0 Knicks run that swung the game’s momentum, compensating for fellow reserve Miles McBride’s (one rebound, four assists, and one steal) failure to score in his 15 minutes on the court. Payne can be erratic, but days like Saturday serve as a reminder of the value he can bring to the table. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night.
NYK • Center-Forward • #32
1 day ago
Towns was impactful on both ends of the floor in his first playoff game in a Knicks uniform. In addition to shooting well over 50 percent from the field, he recorded a complete stat line and did not commit a turnover. To say he looked far more comfortable on Saturday than he did in New York’s April 10 loss to the Pistons would be an understatement. The Knicks will need Towns to consistently reach (or exceed) the level he played at on Saturday to go deep into the playoffs. Game 2 is on Monday night.
NYK • Guard • #11
1 day ago
For the first half of Saturday’s season opener, Detroit wing Ausar Thompson and guard Dennis Schroder did an excellent job of defending Brunson. The Knicks’ point guard shot 3-of-14 from the field in the first half, and appeared to tweak his right ankle during the third quarter. However, a footwear change may have done the trick, as Brunson shot 9-of-13 from the field to finish the Game 1 victory. Additionally, he committed only one turnover, a sign that the early shooting struggles did not affect Brunson’s work as a playmaker. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday.
CLE • Center • #31
about 4 hours ago
While Cleveland’s perimeter attack will grab the headlines due to their offensive production, the frontcourt did its job as rebounders and defenders in Game 1. Allen recorded a complete stat line, which included a double-double, while Evan Mobley added seven rebounds along with nine points, one assist and one three-pointer. Allen may be the most overlooked member of the “core four,” but his production as an efficient finisher who also rebounds and defends is essential. The Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.
LAC • Center • #40
1 day ago
Zubac had his hands full defending Nikola Jokić in Saturday’s series opener. That task did not prevent him from doing his job offensively, with the Clippers’ center shooting 66.7 percent from the field and recording an efficient double-double. Zubac has been one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, and his play on both ends of the floor will be critical in this series. The Clippers and Nuggets meet again in Game 2 on Monday.
DEN • Center • #15
1 day ago
Based on the numbers, no opposing center has done a better job defensively on Jokic than the Clippers’ Ivica Zubac. While he made the three-time MVP work in Saturday’s series opener, The Joker still finished one rebound shy of a triple-double while recording a complete stat line. Also, Jokic only committed two turnovers in his 46 minutes on the floor. As has been the case for most of his NBA career, Jokic is going to get his numbers, and he’ll do so efficiently. The Nuggets host Game 2 on Monday.
