The New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics each received notable health and performance updates as the regular season winds down.
Knicks experiment with postseason rotation
With Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined, New York still cruised past Chicago on Friday and inched closer to full strength. Head coach Mike Brown started Mitchell Robinson and deployed Jeremy Sochan as the backup center, later naming Sochan the team’s Defensive Player of the Game.
“It allowed us to do a lot of things like switch pick-and-rolls,” Brown said, noting the added defensive versatility and speed. Robinson is expected to handle most reserve center minutes in the playoffs, but the successful trial gives Brown flexibility to pair Towns and Robinson together more often.
Brown also sat Jose Alvarado and standout rookie Mohamed Diawara for the first three quarters. With Miles “Deuce” McBride and Landry Shamet returning from injuries, Brown called reintegrating that duo a priority because “both of those guys are capable of playing that backup guard spot.”
Brown stumps for OG Anunoby’s defensive honors
Brown said he was “surprised” to learn OG Anunoby has only one All-Defensive selection and argued the 6’8″ forward deserves First Team recognition this season. “His versatility is off the charts,” the coach said. Anunoby echoed the sentiment: “I think I should’ve gotten it last year. I think I should get it this year.”
Paul George listed as probable for Detroit
The 76ers have Paul George (left knee injury management) marked probable for today’s matchup with the Pistons. If he plays, it will be his first back-to-back appearance of the season. Since returning from a 25-game suspension, the nine-time All-Star is averaging 27.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.2 steals over five contests.
Tatum’s rapid return settles Celtics’ chemistry concerns
Boston players and staff initially worried about rebuilding on-court chemistry with Jayson Tatum so close to the postseason, but the forward has quickly dispelled those fears. The Celtics are 10-2 when he plays, and he already captured Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors. Tatum is driving at roughly last season’s pace, and the team’s defense with him on the floor has been elite. Should Boston win the title, observers say his comeback could rank among the league’s most memorable.
Source: Hoops Rumors
