Jalen Brunson

Payne put on a show during his first stint on the court, scoring 16 of his 18 points during the second quarter. Unfortunately for the Knicks, he could not provide any production after halftime, as the Timberwolves were more attentive to Payne defensively. Even with Friday's first-half explosion, there's no need to consider rostering Payne unless the Knicks are without Jalen Brunson. Even then, Miles McBride (four points and one steal in 19 minutes) is the better choice since he would be the replacement in the starting lineup.

Brunson led the Knicks in scoring, but he's had better nights shooting the basketball. However, the Knicks point guard has shot 50% from the field over the past two weeks, which is one reason why he has provided top-40 value during this stretch. The improved shooting has pushed Brunson inside the top-50 in 9-cat formats, so the production is trending in the right direction, even with Friday's effort. The Knicks play three games during Week 13, beginning with the Hawks on Monday.

Brunson (shoulder) notched a game-high 38 points (14-22 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), five rebounds, four assists and two steals across 45 minutes during Wednesday's 125-119 overtime victory over the 76ers.

The Knicks let several leads slip through their fingers but never trailed en route to a 125-119 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to a 38-point outburst from Jalen Brunson.

With Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined, Sims will slide into the starting unit. In his last start, he grabbed 10 rebounds in 29 minutes, while Precious Achiuwa logged 22 minutes off the bench. Both will play larger roles with KAT out.