The New York Knicks are getting their star back, just before the NBA playoffs begin.
Guard Jalen Brunson is expected to return to the Knicks' lineup for Sunday's matchup versus the Phoenix Suns, according to reports. Brunson has missed New York's past 15 games after spraining his ankle late in March 7's marquee matchup between the Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers.
Prior to his injury, Brunson led the Knicks in scoring at 26.3 points per game and 7.4 assists, while shooting 38% on his 3-point attempts. At the time, New York was 40-22 after losing to the Lakers.
Since Brunson's injury, the Knicks have still played well, compiling an 8-6 record and maintaining the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they have lost against top contenders including the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers during that stretch.
The Suns have lost five consecutive games and eight of their past 13, falling out of a play-in tournament spot. But the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons and Cavs are among the final six opponents on their regular season schedule. Getting Brunson back could help the Knicks from dropping to the No. 4 or even the No. 5 seed.
"It’s hard to be playing your best basketball if you’re not healthy," Knicks forward Josh Hart told the New York Daily News' Kristian Winfield, also referring to Miles McBride and Cameron Payne.
"It’ll be good to get those guys back — ...
