Over the matter of a few seasons, we have seen New York basketball be restored to its rightful pedestal. Julius Randle provided the gateway emerging as an All-Star forward. Then since Jalen Brunson’s arrival, the Knicks have become an exciting team once again. They currently acquire the 4th seed in the East. Tonight, they face the Indiana Pacers, another young and on the rise team in the NBA. However, the New York Knicks might have some things to worry about.

In their win against the Memphis Grizzlies, Brunson suffered a sprained ankle. He had to miss the game against his former franchise, the Dallas Mavericks, which the Knicks lost only having an eight-man rotation on the night. Their injury list is long. Three of their starters – Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby are all out for multiple weeks.

It means a lot depending on Brunson breaking out even more. But with his lingering ankle injury, will he play against the Pacers?

Can Jalen Brunson play against the Pacers?

Brunson has had a breakout season. The masterful guard made his first-ever All-Star team and he has engineered the Knicks’ roaring comeback into the NBA. Averaging a career-high 27.2 points and 6.5 assists per game, the former Mavericks guard is the quintessential star for a big market like New York.

His game is meant for the big lights. Brunson is an undersized yet fearless guard who is destroying the odds of success. He has become a superstar purely due to his flair. The celebration after a three and his repeated brilliance have made him a loveable figure in New York sports.

However, with his ankle injury yet to fully heal, he is listed as questionable against the Pacers. When Jimmy Fallon asked him about the ankle, Brunson revealed it feels good and is treating it with ice therapy.

The Knicks haven’t had to face long spells without Brunson this season. The 27-year-old has only missed three games this season. In those games, the Knicks have a 1-2 record, their latest loss being against the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks cornerstone has an irreplaceable impact when on the floor. The Knicks drop to 106.5 in offensive rating, 15 less than when Jalen Brunson is on the floor. As the primary decision-maker and playmaker, Brunson is the very essence of their play style.

The timing couldn’t be any worse as multiple of their stars who could have substituted his production are also out. Brunson isn’t one to miss games frequently. Even if his ankle feels somewhat fine, he will suit up for the Knicks.

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Do you think he should take the gamble though? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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