Knicks guard J.R. Smith could play less against Pacers

J.R. Smith could see more time on the bench against the Pacers. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith could see less minutes in the Knicks' Eastern Conference semifinal matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Knicks head coach Mike Woodson said during an interview on Wednesday. J.R. Smith is the NBA's reigning Sixth Man of the Year but Woodson wouldn't rule the possibility of sitting Smith more as the series against the Pacers progresses.

Smith missed 11 shots in the series-opener against the Pacers and struggled to find his shot in Game 2, scoring just eight points on 3-of-15 shooting. Woodson said he would "gauge" Smith's play and if he continues to struggle, "the other guys have to come in and step up and play."

The Knicks will take on the Pacers in Game 3 in Indiana on Saturday. The series is tied at a game apiece.