Monday in Memphis could force the Nucks to start Taj Gibson at center and use Novell Pelé as a backup.
In the only downbeat note in Houston on Sunday night, starting center Nerlens Noel crashed into Christian Wood’s knee and sprained the victim. He remained in the third quarter and did not return. He played just 11:20.
Knees were fine without him. Gibson played 31 solid defensive minutes and scored six points (4 of 3 shooting) along with Tom Thibodo with five rebels, saying he was “unbelievable”. ‘
Thibodo did not know Noel’s position for Monday’s game, but the fact he did not return was not a good sign. As a backup Thibodo has few options other than Pelé. With Toppin starting to emerge as a two-sided force in the last two weeks, he can play at center with Julius Randle.
Sixth man Alec Burke, who is out of the COVID-19 protocol, was excluded from Sunday’s competition, but has a chance to sue in Memphis. The Knicks have not made Burke available for comment since his return to the team. He has lost eight straight games.
“She’s getting very close,” Thibodo said.
The coach hasn’t really changed the rotation since Burke left – instead extending the minutes of rookies Emanuel Quickley and Derrick Rose. Thibodo originally stated that Kevin Knox and Frank Nitlikina, the former Knicks draw lottery, would pick up the slack but had not played in any of the last three matches until Sunday.
“We’ve been out for a long time in all seasons,” Thibodo said. “We’ll see where he is conditioning-wise.” A guy like Alec I think he will adjust really quickly. ”
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