New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is expected to come back soon after a right ankle sprain. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters that Brunson is now able to do basketball activities. This was before the Knicks` loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Sources say that Brunson will probably practice on Friday and play this weekend.
The Knicks will play against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday and then against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at home. Brunson, who has been out for the last 14 games because of his ankle, is listed as questionable for the game against the Hawks, according to reports.
This season, Brunson has played in 61 games, playing more than 20 minutes in each. If he plays against Atlanta and/or Phoenix and stays healthy for the rest of the regular season, he should play enough games to be eligible for end-of-season NBA awards. The Knicks have six games left, including two back-to-backs. Brunson could miss one game of each back-to-back and still be considered for All-NBA.
If he plays in 65 games, Brunson should definitely be on an All-NBA team for the second year in a row. This season, he is averaging 26.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, playing about 35.4 minutes on average.
Without Brunson, the Knicks have a record of 8 wins and 6 losses. Their overall season record is 48-28. They are currently third in the Eastern Conference, comfortably ahead of the Indiana Pacers, who are fourth.
Brunson isn`t the only Knicks player expected to return soon. Coach Thibodeau mentioned that guards Miles McBride and Cam Payne should also be back very soon.
After this weekend`s games, the Knicks will play at home against the Boston Celtics next Tuesday, then play away against the Detroit Pistons next Thursday, and then at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers the day after. The Knicks will also play against the Brooklyn Nets on April 13, which is the last day of the regular season. These upcoming games are unlikely to change their playoff position, but they are important for Brunson and the team to get ready for the playoffs.
Jasper Hawthorne