NBA

Knicks’ Shumpert says he’s Game 4 go despite sore knee

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READY ‘FOUR’ ACTION: Iman Shumpert, who sat out practice yesterday to rest his left knee (inset), said he was a “little sore,” but believes he’ll be ready to go for Game 4 against the Pacers tonight. (Getty Images; N.Y. Post Charles Wenzelberg (inset))

INDIANAPOLIS — During a drive to the basket on Saturday, Iman Shumpert had a scary fall to the court, his legs doing an ugly split.

It’s a spill that may affect him tonight.

Shumpert, the Knicks’ second-year swingman who has been invaluable in the postseason, did not practice yesterday due to a sore left knee. He was also restricted during Sunday’s light team workout.

Shumpert and coach Mike Woodson expect Shumpert to play in tonight’s Game 4 against the Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. But Woodson said his player would be assessed at this morning’s shootaround to be sure.

“In my mind, I’m playing,” Shumpert said yesterday. “Unless I get out there and it’s just I can’t do what I’m supposed to do, then I don’t think it’ll stop me from playing.

“Just a little sore. They say it’s probably just a bruise. Just taking the precaution.”

Shumpert tore the ACL in that same left knee a year ago in the playoffs against the Heat, though he and Woodson both said this injury is unrelated. No tests were scheduled.

“According to the doctors, they don’t think [it’s surgery-related],” Woodson said. “If we thought that, then we’d probably do an MRI and everything. But I think it’s just from soreness and the minutes. His minutes have jumped some.”

Upon returning from knee surgery, Shumpert averaged just 20.8 minutes in his first 35 games. In 10 regular-season games in April, his minutes jumped to 26.7. And in nine playoff games, he’s up to 29.9.

The 22-year-old Shumpert seemed relatively unconcerned.

“I just fell twice, awkwardly,” he said. “My knee bent back awkward. It happens.”

He said he did not experience soreness until Sunday.

Even if he’s cleared to play tonight, it will be interesting to see whether Shumpert’s minutes are curbed. That would hurt the Knicks, but it may be medically mandated.

“I’ll evaluate it [today],” Woodson said, “and then the doctors and medical staff will kind of lead me in the right direction and see where we go with it.”