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Injuries have thrust Burks into the Knicks’ rotation, and the veteran wing has taken advantage of his opportunity. He’s scored at least 14 points in each of the series’ last three games, giving New York much-needed production. While Burks scoring 20 points in Sunday’s Game 4 defeat did not matter much, that wasn’t the case in Game 5. The Knicks effectively run a seven-man rotation, so Burks won’t lack playing time or opportunities to shine. He’s shown that there’s still something left in the tank.

Following Sunday’s Game 4 defeat, Hart admitted he did not bring the usual energy to the court. That wasn’t an issue in Game 5, as the extra time spent on the bench during that blowout loss may have refreshed the Knicks’ legs. Hart finished the 30-point win with a full stat line and a double-double, his fourth of the series. And his defensive assignment changed, as the decision to move Miles McBride into the starting lineup pushed Hart onto Pascal Siakam. Expect more of the same in Game 6 on Friday, with the Knicks looking to end the series.

After he and the Knicks failed to bring the required energy to the court in Game 4 on Sunday, Hartenstein was outstanding on Tuesday. The 7-footer, who stands to command a hefty contract in free agency this summer, grabbed 12 of New York’s 20 offensive rebounds and finished with 17 overall. Hartenstein’s 12 offensive boards tied a franchise playoff record that Charles Oakley initially held. With Tuesday’s 30-point victory, the Knicks will take a 3-2 series lead to Indiana for Game 6 on Friday night.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau decided to move McBride into the starting lineup for Game 5, and that shift helped New York regain momentum in the series. Deuce’s presence gave the Knicks another ball-handler to deal with the Pacers’ full-court pressure, and he also helped harass Tyrese Haliburton on the defensive end of the floor. McBride getting 15 shots was a bit surprising, but he took advantage of those opportunities well. Precious Achiuwa, who started Games 3 and 4, finished with four points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 23 minutes off the bench. The Knicks hold a 3-2 series lead with Game 6 on Friday night in Indianapolis.

The home team has not lost a game in this series, as the Knicks rolled the Pacers in Game 5 on Tuesday. And Brunson was scalding hot, scoring 28 points in the first half alone. He would finish with 44 points and seven assists, the fifth time this postseason the Knicks point guard has tallied at least 40 points and five assists in a game. There have been nine such games in Knicks franchise history (Patrick Ewing with two, Bernard King and Carmelo Anthony with one each). The additional rest Brunson and the other Knicks mainstays received during Sunday’s Game 4 blowout appeared to benefit New York, and they’ll have two days to recover for Game 6 on Friday.

To begin the third quarter, Turner got hot, hitting three 3-pointers to trim the Pacers’ deficit to seven points. That was as close as Indiana would get, as the Knicks’ improved defense and dominance of the offensive boards were too much to overcome. New York grabbed 20 offensive rebounds, nine fewer than Indiana’s total rebound tally. Turner struggled with Isaiah Hartenstein, who corralled 12 offensive boards, and that will have to change for Game 6 on Friday night. New York holds a 3-2 series lead.

The good news for the Pacers is that Siakam appears to have gotten over his case of the “yips” at the foul line, making six of his seven attempts in Game 5. Spicy P had a solid night overall, but it didn’t mean much, with the Knicks grabbing a staggering 20 offensive rebounds. Siakam has scored 19 points or more in three of the five games in this series, and that’s the level of production they need from him consistently. Snapping his recent slumps from three and the foul line certainly helps. Game 6 is on Friday, with the Pacers needing a win to keep their season alive.

After playing at a high level in Games 2 through 4, Haliburton was held in check on Tuesday. New York’s lineup change was a factor, with Miles McBride replacing Precious Achiuwa. Not only did this help the Knicks on offense, but it also allowed them to use McBride to pester Haliburton. The All-Star point guard only attempted nine shots in Game 5, which cannot happen if the Pacers are to win this series. Game 6 is on Friday in Indianapolis.

The Timberwolves are without Mike Conley, who injured his right Achilles tendon on the final play of Sunday’s Game 4 defeat. Alexander-Walker moves into the starting lineup, which also means even more opportunities for Edwards to serve as the primary playmaker. Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris could enter the rotation, as Minnesota will need them to help navigate Conley’s absence.

While Conley wasn’t added to the injury report until Tuesday afternoon, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said his point guard was injured on the final play of Sunday’s Game 4 defeat. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker being the most likely candidate to fill it. While Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris are traditional point guards, neither defends as well as NAW. Conley’s absence also means even more playmaking opportunities for Anthony Edwards, which could boost his points and assist overs.