Overview
- The Knicks, who clinched the No. 3 seed Friday with a win over the Raptors, will consider resting starters in Sunday’s finale to protect health, coach Mike Brown said.
- Brown said Thursday the nine players used in recent wins at Atlanta and against Boston are likely his playoff rotation, noting it is hard to play more than nine in a series.
- The expected group features starters Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns with Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson off the bench, leaving Jose Alvarado, Mohamed Diawara and Tyler Kolek out for now.
- Anunoby exited Friday with a left ankle issue and did not return, and Brown said he had no immediate update, a factor in leaning toward rest before the postseason.
- Clarkson earned his spot with improved defense and efficient scoring late in the season, while Alvarado has not played in the last two games, and roles could still shift by matchup once the series begins.