The NBA’s May 11 injury report offers almost optimism for New York.
Jalen Brunson, previously listed as questionable for Game 3, is not listed for Game 4 at all.
This is the best news you could ask for if you’re Knicks, which implies he’s recovering from right foot soreness that forced him to miss much of the first half in Game 2.
The only thing that would make you more optimistic if you’re from New York is the list of Indiana players in the report.
Tyrese Haliburton, who went off for 35 points in Game 3, is listed as questionable with a variety of ailments: “lumbar spasms, sacral contusion” and “right ankle sprain.”
Aaron Nesmith, who spent a ton of time guarding Brunson, is also listed with “right shoulder soreness.”
It’s possible that the “war of attrition” that characterizes this series has begun to affect both sides. If true, Game 4 will undoubtedly be a dogfight like the rest of the series has been.