Inside The Celtics

Jalen Brunson Injury Status for Celtics vs Knicks

Two-time All-Star New York guard Jalen Brunson finds himself on the injury report against Boston.
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Apr 6, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In this story:


The New York Knicks have had a curious season.

While boasting one of the most talented starting fives in the league (New York traded a boatload of assets for All-Defensive small forward Mikal Bridges over the summer and subsequently acquired All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns right before training camp), Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has been leaning heavily on that group at the expense of developing his bench.

Consequently, the team has won plenty of games, but it has also worn out its players. 

More Boston Celtics: Celtics' Jaylen Brown Slams Bettors in NSFW Rant

To wit, two-time All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson recently returned from a monthlong absence due to an ankle injury. After missing 15 consecutive games, Brunson did finally suit up for New York’s 112-98 victory over the deeply joyless Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

He scored 15 points and dished out six assists in the victory. Swingman OG Anunoby, who has been on an absolute tear of late, led the Knicks with 32 points.

Now, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv, Brunson has been downgraded to probable to play against the team New York is looking up at in the Eastern Conference standings on Tuesday, the 58-20 Boston Celtics. At 50-28 with just four games remaining in their schedule, the Knicks have no hope of catching Boston and are just trying to avoid losing the East's No. 3 seed to the 47-31 Indiana Pacers, winners of four straight.

While Boston could be missing all five of its starters — All-Stars Jaylen Brown (questionable with a right knee posterior impingement) and Jayson Tatum (questionable with a sprained left ankle), All-Defensive guards Jrue Holiday (probable with a right shoulder impingement) and Derrick White (probable with a right big toe sprain) and former All-Star center Kristaps Porzingis (non-COVID-19 illness), the Knicks will likely have both their top two point guards.

More Boston Celtics: Former Celtics Star Snubs Nikola Jokic in NBA All-Time Rankings

In addition to Brunson, his backup Miles McBride is considered probable to play through a left groin contusion/strain.

Brunson certainly seems likely to play if his body will let him.

The 6-foot-1 former Villanova champ is highly incentivized to suit up for at least three of New York’s final 2024-25 regular season games, as he has appeared in just 62 contests thus far this year, and needs to play in 65 to qualify for All-NBA honors this season.

More Boston Celtics:

League Insider Identifies This Slight Weakness in Celtics' Repeat Chances

Celtics' Jaylen Brown is Studying Film of Boston Legend to Improve Game

Former All-Star Claims Celtics Legend Was Tougher to Defend Than Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant

Brian Windhorst Reveals Biggest X-Factor For Celtics to Repeat

For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.


Published
Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Currently also a scribe for Newsweek, Hoops Rumors, The Sporting News and "Gremlins" director Joe Dante's film site Trailers From Hell, Alex is an alum of Men's Journal, Grizzlies fan site Grizzly Bear Blues, and Bulls fan sites Blog-A-Bull and Pippen Ain't Easy, among others.