Eyes on Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards, NBA Rising Stars Look to Advance to Conference Finals

Anthony Edwards - Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four
(Photo : David Berding/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Anthony Edwards (#5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic (#15) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 12, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dead locked at 2-2, tonight we have a massive slate of round two Game 5s of the NBA Playoffs. 

The battered and banged up New York Knicks will look to defend home court against the Indiana Pacers. At the same time, the Denver Nuggets at home will look to take a 3-2 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Here are our previews for tonight's games.

RELATED ARTICLE: Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Receives Honest Take From Former Villanova Coach Jay Wright

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers 

The New York Knicks are returning home for a crucial Game 5 after a series of tough losses against the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers managed to tie things up at home, picking up two crucial wins against a wounded Knicks team, including the Game 4 121-89 Mother's Day Massacre at the hands of the surging Pacers.

All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton has found his shot with some big-time scoring performances in the second-round of the postseason, and now the momentum in the series has turned in favor of the Pacers. However, the Knicks have managed to take care of business on home court so far, going 4-1 at home throughout this postseason. 

Jalen Brunson's Health 

Jalen Brunson - Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks - Game Two
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - Jalen Brunson (#11) of the New York Knicks dribbles during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101.
(Photo : Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Jalen Brunson's health is a question mark right now for the Knicks.

According to the New York Post, a source revealed that Brunson's right foot is hurting more than he lets off. 

Throughout Game 4 Jalen Brunson looked like he barely had any lift in his shots. Thus, a combination of solid defense from Aaron Nesmith and injury led to Brunson's worst performance in the postseason so far. 

Now heading into Game 5, will Jalen Brunson persevere to eke out a much needed win for New York. 

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets

Shifting over to the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets will be looking to take control of the series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The champs managed to turn things around, picking up two massive victories on the road against the young yet talented Timberwolves. The Timberwolves stole Games 1 and 2 from them behind their stout defense and Anthony Edwards' brilliance. 

Now, they will have a chance to take the series lead at Ball Arena.

Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray has managed to turn it around after a poor start in Games 1 and 2. 

And Nikola Jokic has figured out the Timberwolves' defensive scheme, now finding his rhythm.

Is Ant Edwards Enough?

Anthony Edwards - Denver Nuggets v Minnesota Timberwolves - Game Four
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - Anthony Edwards (#5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after a shot during the first quarter in the game against the Denver Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 12, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
(Photo : David Berding/Getty Images)

Anthony Edwards has looked nothing short of spectacular this postseason, especially after a Game 4 performance where he dropped 44 points on 16-25 shooting and 5-8 from three.

He is amid a legendary postseason run with 40-point games in both the first and second rounds,  helping his T-Wolves take a commanding 2-0 lead over the Nuggets initially. 

Despite his stellar performance, one must wonder if Ant-Man is enough to carry the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns has since disappeared after his epic 27-point performance in Game 2. He will need to step up if the Wolves hope to win against the champs in this series.

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