While we have unfortunately seen what life is like without Jalen Brunson in the lineup for a couple of weeks now, Saturday night gave us a glimpse of what life without the Knicks’ top two point guards looks like. And in the last 24 hours, we’ve gotten some updates on the injured duo.
Brunson, who has been sidelined since early March with a sprained ankle, has reportedly been progressing faster than anticipated. While he has yet to practice, Ian Begley of SNY reported that he had been doing “more and more”, and that he’s feeling good.
After Monday’s practice, Thibodeau spoke about Brunson, saying, “Really good progress. But day-to-day, basically.” The head coach went on to say that Brunson has spent a lot of time shooting, working in the pool, and on the bike and that his conditioning is at a really good spot right now.
That being said, the Knicks have made it clear that they have no intentions of bringing him back earlier than necessary and want to make sure that he is 100% before returning.
Jalen Brunson (ankle) has been doing ‘more and more’ in his rehab. He’s not practicing yet. Tom Thibodeau said that’s probably Brunson’s next step. Thibodeau said Brunson’s conditioning is strong as he works his way back.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 24, 2025
As for McBride, he will miss his second straight game with a groin injury when the Knicks take the court against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.
There is no timetable for the fourth-year point guard’s return, but the fact that he was ruled out last night, more than 24 hours before tonight’s game, is an ominous sign that he could potentially miss more time than some had initially expected.
It is just speculation right now, but it’s rarely a good sign when a player forgoes the “questionable” or “game-time decision” label and is reported as out that far in advance.
Last but not least, there is Mitchell Robinson, who isn’t a point guard but has been pivotal for the Knicks since his return from offseason ankle surgery.
The center has yet to play in back-to-backs this season, and the Knicks, starting today, will play a back-to-back against the Mavericks and the Clippers.
Mitch is officially listed as questionable right now, and the belief is that he’ll miss at least one of these next two games as well.
Clarification: Mitchell Robinson is questionable due to injury recovery from offseason foot/ankle surgery. This is not a new injury. Robinson hasn’t been playing in back-to-backs. Knicks start a home back-to-back tomorrow vs DAL. https://t.co/1H6SFoYW2T
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 24, 2025