Knicks’ Tim Thomas doubtful for Game 2

Thomas suffered multiple muscle contusions in his lower back after being flagrantly fouled by New Jersey’s Jason Collins in the fourth quarter. He needed to be helped off the floor by teammates and was taken to Beth Israel Hospital for x-rays and an MRI, both of which came back negative.

He was held at the hospital overnight and released on Sunday. He was at the Knicks’ practice facility on Monday for treatments, but did not stay until the end of practice.

Thomas had 12 points before leaving the Knicks’ 107-83 loss to the defending Eastern Conference champions.

Anfernee Hardaway is expected to start at Thomas’ small forward position. Hardaway led New York with 18 points off the bench in on Saturday. Forward DerMarr Johnson is also expected to see more action as a result.