NEW YORK -- The team doctor called it a Grade 2 sprain. The team president called it a Grade 1 sprain.

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The severity of Larry Johnson's injury remained somewhat of a mystery Saturday, the day after the New York Knicks defeated the Indiana Pacers to earn a trip to the NBA Finals.

Johnson injured his right knee midway through the second quarter when Indiana's Travis Best rolled into it, and he was unable to put any weight on it as he was helped off the court and then wheeled to an ambulance.

"He's still listed as day-to-day, he'll receive daily treatment," team spokeswoman Lori Hamamoto said Saturday. "He won't practice tomorrow, and he'll be reevaluated Monday."

After the game Friday night, team doctor Norman Scott told reporters that Johnson had a Grade 2 sprain, an injury that typically takes one to two weeks to recover from.

BUT TEAM PRESIDENT Dave Checketts described it as a Grade 1 sprain, which has a much shorter recovery time.

Larry Johnson leaves Beth Israel Hospital after having his injured knee examined. (AP)

"The doctor called us up in the box and said, you know, I think he'll be able to play on Wednesday. Chances are good," Checketts said.

The Knicks refused to make Dr. Scott available for interviews Saturday. A telephone call to his office was not returned.

Johnson was the Knicks' leading scorer against Indiana until he was hurt, and New York's chances against the Spurs would be severely diminished if Johnson is unable to play.

The best-of-7 series begins Wednesday night at the Alamodome.

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