Jan 31, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks
(New York, NY) — It looks like the Knicks will have to keep on moving without their star PG.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said before Sunday’s win over the Lakers that Jalen Brunson is not expected to be available for Tuesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Brunson didn’t suit up against either the Sacramento Kings or Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend due to him aggravating his lingering foot injury.
“When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go,” Thibodeau said. “It’s not Jalen by himself. It’s Jalen with the medical. So he’s got a say in it, but the medical has to clear him. So there’s a number of people involved in a decision. We’re not going to put him in harm’s way. So if he gets cleared and he feels good, he’ll play. And if he needs more time, he’ll get more time and it’s not just Jalen, it’s all of our players.”
Sitting out Tuesday’s contest with Portland not only would allow Brunson more rest, but it would mean a hypothetical return would happen after the Knicks’ road trip. Adrian Wojnarowski said that Immanuel Quickley–who finished Sunday’s win over the Lakers with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one 3-pointer in 31 minutes–will get another starting nod.
Brunson has been a revelation in his first season in the Big Apple, averaging 24 points and six assists a game.
