Alec

Burks

Acquired by the Knicks at the February deadline, Burks slipped out of the rotation before injuries pushed him back into the fold during the Pacers series. He finished the season with a 26-point effort in New York’s Game 7 defeat, so the potential to provide instant offense remains. However, with Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier in the fold, Burks’ fantasy ceiling will be limited in 2024-25.

After not playing at all in the first seven games of the postseason, Burks moved into the Knicks rotation out of necessity. And the veteran guard was productive, reaching double figures in his last five games. Sunday’s performance was Burks’ best: he shot nearly 62% from the field and scored 26 points. That’s an excellent way to head into free agency this summer. Burks’ days of being a must-roster player in fantasy leagues may be finished, but he still has something left in the tank.

DiVincenzo has cooled off considerably since scoring 25 points or more in the series’ first three games. While he hit double figures in Game 6, the Big Ragu has gone 13-of-41 from the field in Games 4 through 6. With Jalen Brunson receiving constant defensive attention from the Pacers, the Knicks need more from DiVincenzo in Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. The same can be said for reserve Alec Burks, who shot 2-of-8 from the field on Friday, especially if Josh Hart (abdomen) is limited or cannot play. Burks finished Game 6 with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one 3-pointer in 25 minutes.

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.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that Anunoby was not expected to be available for Game 4, so this status update is unsurprising. Precious Achiuwa started Game 3 and had issues defending Pascal Siakam. Anunoby’s absence also freed up rotation minutes for Alec Burks, who scored 14 points on Friday.

That’s right, Alec Burks. After playing for one minute in Game 2, the veteran wing was in the rotation on Friday because the Knicks did not have OG Anunoby (hamstring). Give Burks credit for staying ready, as he made his first four shots from the field and gave New York welcome production off the bench. While the Knicks’ saw their series lead cut in half, getting 24 points from Burks and Miles McBride (10/1/1/1 with two 3-pointers in 29 minutes) is a positive takeaway. New York’s reserves outscored their Pacer counterparts by a 24-14 margin in Game 3, but it wasn’t enough to get the Knicks the win. Burks and McBride will have to offer similar production in Game 4 on Sunday, as Anunoby is unlikely to be available.

Anunoby exited Game 2 with a hamstring injury, and it appears that the team is preparing to play Game 3 in Indiana without him. Miles McBride and Alec Burks should both take on extra minutes if Anunoby is forced to sit out.

Brunson is probable on the initial injury report, suggesting he will be available to play in the Knicks’ second game in as many nights. Should he not play, Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks would play more minutes, with starters Miles McBride and Donte DiVincenzo handling even more of the scoring responsibilities. Bogdanovic is most likely to move into the starting lineup if Brunson sits.

Both players have a chance to miss this game after playing on Tuesday. If Robinson is out, Isaiah Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa will take on a few extra minutes. If Hart is sidelined, either Bojan Bogdanovic or Alec Burks will replace him in the starting unit, though neither will be asked to play as many minutes as Hart does.

Hartenstein and Burks were initially probable for Sunday’s game, so the status upgrades were expected. The former will be in the starting lineup, while the latter is available to provide depth off the bench. Burks has not played well enough to merit being rostered in most fantasy leagues.