The New York Knicks are inching closer to getting one of their biggest stars back in time for the stretch run. Jalen Brunson is reportedly expected to return to practice Friday and could be listed as questionable to play in Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Brunson missed the last 14 games due to an ankle injury he sustained in a March 6 game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brunson played 41 minutes in the eventual overtime loss to the Lakers before rolling his ankle while driving to the basket with 1:20 remaining in the game. He made both free-throw attempts before leaving the contest.
The following day, the Knicks announced Brunson would miss at least two weeks with a right ankle sprain. If Brunson is able to practice Friday, it would mark four weeks since he sustained the injury.
The Knicks managed to tread water with Brunson sidelined. The team put together an 8-6 record since Brunson's injury and managed to remain third in the Eastern Conference without their All-Star guard.
New York already clinched a playoff spot and is in good shape to earn the No. 3 seed in the East. The Knicks hold a three-game lead over the Indiana Pacers for the No. 3 seed with six games to go. The team could fumble away that lead, but only if it collapses in a major way down the stretch.
If Brunson is able to return for Saturday's game against the Hawks, he would have six games to get back into a rhythm before the playoffs start. With the Knicks firmly out of the play-in tournament, the team's first playoff game would be scheduled for April 19 at the earliest, giving Brunson even more time to fully recover from the injury. That extra recovery time might not be necessary, given Brunson could return before the end of the regular season.
Prior to the injury, Brunson was in the midst of yet another excellent season. He averaged 26.3 points and 7.4 assists through 61 games, earning his second-straight All-Star nod.
