On Sunday night, the New York Knicks are heavy favorites against the Portland Trail Blazers despite missing their best player, Jalen Brunson. The All-Star point guard has missed the last 11 games with an ankle injury and won't suit up against Portland.
During his time in street clothes, the Knicks have gone 6-5, but their lead over the fourth-place Indiana Pacers was so massive to begin with that they still own third place in the East by three and a half games.
However, the team's captain seems to be on the mend and is optimistic about a return.
According to New York Daily News' Kristian Winfield, Brunson has been cleared for full contact in practices, which means his return is right around the corner. However, with third place all but locked up and only one of the Knicks' next five games coming against a team with a winning record, there shouldn't be much reason to rush him coming back.
Brunson has his eyes on the playoffs, but the Knicks could be conservative with his approach and keep him shut down until then, provided that he doesn't need the end of the regular season to ramp back up.
Jalen Brunson: "Realistically I'm hoping to play before the playoffs."
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) March 30, 2025
There is another layer to Brunson's return, however. With nine games left, Brunson has only played in 61, meaning he will need to suit up for four more contests before being eligible for MVP votes, season awards, and All-NBA consideration. After making the second team this season, he could very likely repeat with an All-NBA appearance, although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum might have the first team locked up, alongside Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and possibly Kevin Durant, who is playing elite basketball despite poor team success.
Related: Final Injury Report Before New York Knicks-Portland Trail Blazers
On the other hand, Luka Doncic won't make the 65-game threshold, neither with Kawhi Leonard, and Anthony Edwards is on a lackluster team this season, so it could come down between Brunson and Cade Cunningham if he can play four more games.
Check out the All Knicks home page for more news, analysis, and must-read articles.
Related: Carmelo Anthony Clears Air After Mikal Bridges' Public Knicks Plea
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal