The New York Knicks received a significant boost late Thursday as reports emerged that All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson is expected to return to practice on Friday, marking his first on-court session since suffering a sprained right ankle nearly a month ago. The update, first reported by NBA insider Chris Haynes, signals a potential return for the Knicksâ captain as the regular season nears its conclusion with just six games remaining.
Brunson, sidelined since March 6 after rolling his ankle in an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, has missed the last 14 games. The injury occurred in the waning moments of the 113-109 defeat, when Brunson drove to the basket, landed awkwardly on Lakers guard Austin Reavesâ foot, and crumpled to the floor in visible pain. Despite the severity of the moment, he stayed in to sink both free throwsâfinishing with 39 points and 10 assistsâbefore limping off to the locker room.
Initial assessments projected a minimum two-week absence, with the Knicks announcing on March 7 that Brunson would be reevaluated in approximately two weeks. Subsequent updates extended that timeline, with sources suggesting late March or early April as a likely return window. However, Brunsonâs recovery has reportedly progressed faster than anticipated. On Sunday, he told reporters he had been cleared for basketball activities and was ârealisticallyâ aiming to play before the playoffs, emphasizing the importance of regaining game rhythm while ensuring heâs fully healthy.
Fridayâs practice will be a critical step. Haynes reported that Brunson is expected to be listed as questionable for Saturdayâs matchup against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden, pending how he responds to on-court work. The Knicks, currently 47-29 and locked into the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, have weathered his absence admirably, posting a 7-7 record without their floor general. Still, his return would provide a jolt to a team eyeing a deep playoff run after offseason acquisitions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns bolstered an already potent roster.
Brunsonâs impact this season has been undeniable. Before the injury, the 28-year-old averaged 26.3 points and a career-high 7.4 assists per game, shooting 49% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range across 61 games. His clutch heroicsâleading the league with 154 points in clutch situationsâhave cemented his status as a cornerstone of New Yorkâs fifth-ranked offense. Without him, the Knicks have leaned heavily on Towns, whoâs averaged 24.2 points and 13.4 rebounds, and Bridges, though the latterâs scoring has dipped to 13.8 points per game since February.
The timing couldnât be better for New York. With the regular season ending April 13 and the playoffs tipping off April 19, Brunsonâs potential return against the Hawks would leave him six games to shake off rust before the postseason. It would also keep him in contention for All-NBA honors, requiring participation in at least four more games to meet the leagueâs 65-game minimum eligibility threshold.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau, who earlier this week praised Brunsonâs âreally good progressâ and conditioning, has stressed a collective approach in his absence. Backup point guards Miles McBride and Cameron Payne have also been sidelined with injuries, thrusting rookie Tyler Kolek and veteran Delon Wright into larger roles. While theyâve held the fort, Brunsonâs return promises to restore the Knicksâ full offensive firepower.