The New York Knicks suffered a devastating loss against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. The Knicks were playing without their two superstars, Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, who were out due to injury. Luka Doncic and Co. took advantage of the situation and blew the Knicks out 122-108. The Knicks are scheduled to face the Indiana Pacers tonight and hope to return to winning ways.

Fortunately for the Knicks fans, Jalen Brunson will be available to play tonight and return to the starting lineup. Brunson missed the Dallas game after spraining his ankle during Tuesday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. He left the game on Tuesday after he twisted his ankle during a drive to the basket.

He played 31 minutes and finished with 27 points and 8 assists before heading to the locker room. Brunson’s return to the starting lineup for the Pacers game could resurrect New York’s hopes amid their painful stretch.

The Knicks have lost 2 of their last 3 games. More importantly, several players on the Knicks roster are missing time due to injury. Julius Randle has been out for the last two weeks after his shoulder got dislocated during a game against the Miami Heat. Their newfound star, OG Anunoby, has also not played any game in February and is expected to be out for at least 3 more weeks following his elbow surgery.

The Knicks are going through a tough time health-wise, and that could cause them to slip in the standings. Hopefully, Brunson’s return will help the Knicks stay afloat until their other star players return to the lineup.

Can Jalen Brunson carry the shorthanded Knicks?

The New York Knicks’ current stretch might be the best time for Jalen Brunson to prove his worth to the franchise. He has been the best player for the Knicks all season and turned them into a winning franchise. Brunson has led the Knicks to the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference standings with a 33-19 record.

Read More: NBA All-Stars: Trae Young and Scottie Barnes Make Wild Card Entry Amid Joel Embiid and Julius Randle’s Misery

Brunson is having a great individual season, averaging 27.2 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. This year, he also got his career’s first All-Star nod for his incredible performance.

Although the Knicks are short on players due to injuries, they added some firepower at the midseason trade deadline. They acquired Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons. Both players will make their debut for the Knicks tonight amid Brunson’s return. Do you believe Jalen Brunson can keep the new-look Knicks afloat until Julius Randle and OG Anunoby return to the lineup?

Watch This Story: 39-Year-Old LeBron James Ends 2023 High and Way Above Fellow Veteran Stephen Curry in Elite NBA List