While both Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith will be ready to play in Game 4, the news on the injury front wasn't all good for the Knicks.
Knicks vs. Pacers: Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith to play Game 4; Iman Shumpert uncertain
Martin and Smith will play through the flu on Tuesday, but a balky knee may keep Shumpert out of the most important game of the Knicks’ season.
After Iman Shumpert was held out for practice on Monday due to precautionary reasons, New York had to fly in their orthopedist to examine his bruised knee on Tuesday morning, according to MSG Network's Tina Cervasio.
As a result, his status for a game that could determine the Knicks’ season is up in the air. A loss on Tuesday would give the Indiana a daunting 3-1 series lead and push New York to the brink of elimination.
Posting and Toasting: The Knicks self-inflicted wounds in Game 3
Shumpert has quietly been the Knicks most effective two-way player in the series. An extremely athletic 6’5, 220-pound wing with the length and athleticism to defend multiple positions, Shumpert has given New York a somewhat unexpected boost on the offensive end as well, averaging 10 points on 45/44/83 shooting in the post-season.
If he's unable to play, it will only increase the pressure on Smith to get his offense back on track. The Sixth Man of the Year has struggled mightily ever since his suspension for elbowing Jason Terry in Game 4 of their first-round series with Boston.
To get back in the series, the Knicks will have to flip the dynamic from the first three games on Tuesday, but it looks like they may have to do so without a full line-up.
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