The last time when Jalen Brunson laced up against the Wizards, it was carnage. We don’t have to roll back the calendar to remember it because the blockbuster contest occurred just the day before yesterday. Both teams played their first overtime game of this season and the NY Knicks came out on top. Thanks to JB’s season-high 55 points with 9 assists. Now, the Washington side has an opportunity to pay back, and pay back hard, as they take on a short-handed Knicks once again tomorrow.

While Brunson acted as the thorn lodged in their foot in the last outing, the Wizards may have an upper hand now. During the season-high performance, the star guard seems to have sustained an injury. They’ve listed JB as Questionable, citing a right calf tightness.

It’s definitely a big blow for the NY side, considering their paper-thin roster depth. An absence in the starting lineup will ultimately strangle their 7-man rotation. In the last season, Jalen Brunson took the responsibility of shouldering the team’s offense, scoring at the rate of 28.7 ppg in the absence of Julius Randle. This season, it’s a different story. With the inclusion of Karl-Anthony Towns, the burden is significantly reduced. Nevertheless, an individual’s absence from the starting lineup will still put the team in trouble.

Apart from Jalen Brunson, the team’s injury report still looks the same. Mitchell Robinson, the team’s traditional center, is yet to make his debut this season, dealing with a foot injury. While he was expected to return in December, the estimated return is scheduled for late January. Additionally, Kevin McCullar Jr. hasn’t laced for the Knicks since late October, dealing a knee injury. So, the bottom line is, the Wizards can run it back as they have an upper hand this time to defeat the NY side.

NY Knicks starting lineup & depth chart in Jalen Brunson’s absence

After a shaky start to the season, the Knicks have found their footing in the East. Currently, they sit with the 3rd seed thanks to a 22-10 record, and most importantly, they are on a 7-game winning streak. The team has found a way to close out tight games. In the last two games, they held their nerve during the clutch and comfortably crossed the line. So, as of now, pressure wins look like their forte!

However, on the other hand, the Wizards also have a disappointing update concerning their injury report. In the last game, they were able to take the game down to the wire without their primary scorer, Jordan Poole. Unfortunately, Poole Party might miss out again, dealing with a hip injury. Nevertheless, they’ll still rely on Justin Champagnie and Malcolm Brogdon, who put up 53 points together in the overtime thriller.

So what do you think? Will the Wizards take advantage of Brunson’s likely absence and seek revenge for the Saturday night loss?