Knicks Injury Report: Jalen Brunson Could Join Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Others To Deepen Misery vs Warriors

The New York Knicks face uncertainty heading into their matchup with the Golden State Warriors, as their injury list grows. Key players OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson remain sidelined, and All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson is now listed as “questionable” and may just be joining the injuries club.

The Knicks have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last ten games. Their current 35-24 record holds them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, just two games ahead of the 7th and 8th-place Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers.

Brunson’s absence would mark his 3rd missed game this month. He missed the game against the Dallas Mavericks on February 8th due to a sprained ankle, which the Knicks ultimately lost 122-108. Brunson was unable to participate in the match-up against the New Orleans Pelicans due to neck spasms sustained the night before. Coach Tom Thibodeau explained, “He took some hits in the game. When he woke up this morning he had some spasms. He tried, he went through a bunch of treatments and stuff, so we tried to see where he was and just didn’t feel good about it.”

Jalen Brunson’s absence throws light on his monumental impact for the Knicks. This season, he’s averaged a career-high 27.3 points, 6.5 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 6.2 free throw attempts, and an impressive 41.3% from three-point range. He already has five incredible 40-point games and 19 outings with 30 or more points in just 48 games.

But Brunson’s influence goes beyond scoring. This January, he inked his name in history with a remarkable +256 plus-minus, the highest since Scottie Pippen’s legendary +272 in 1996. His dominance led ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins to call him the league’s best point guard after Brunson earned his first All-Star place and followed it up with a 40-point performance against the Pacers.

Cloud of Injuries

Recovering from right elbow surgery, OG Anunoby hasn’t started shooting yet. The initial three-week timeline for re-evaluation ends on February 29th. While a mid-March return remains a “logical outcome” if his progress continues, he faces hurdles like getting clearance for shooting before rejoining the team.

Julius Randle, still recovering from a dislocated shoulder, hasn’t been cleared to practice. While he hasn’t suffered setbacks, the possibility of season or post-season surgery remains a consideration. Center, Isaiah Hartenstein, missed Tuesday’s game due to recurring Achilles soreness, marking his sixth absence in the past three weeks. However, positive news emerged for the Knicks as he’s not listed on the latest injury report, suggesting his possible availability for the game against the Warriors.

Read More: Knicks Aim to Profit $7.8 Million From Heartbreaking Mitchell Robinson Injury

Brunson’s historic January included averaging 28.9 points, 7.7 assists, and a scorching 61.6% true shooting, joining an elite group of just seven players ever to achieve such a combination: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Larry Bird, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, James Harden, and Damian Lillard. He’s been the driving force behind the Knicks’ transformation into genuine contenders, their first such shot in 23 years. This New York hero, is undoubtedly a key factor in tonight’s matchup against the Warriors. Will the Knicks manage to win in his absence? Stay tuned to find out!