Even without their star player, the New York Knicks sit comfortably in the 3rd seed in the East, ahead of the Indiana Pacers (46-31). Yes, they just took a 124-105 loss to the Cavs, but Knicks fans—breathe easy. There’s no need to hit the panic button just yet.
With six games remaining in their regular season schedule, the Knicks hold such a strong position that even if they lose every one of those matchups, they still secure a guaranteed playoff spot. Why? Because the teams in the 7th to 9th seeds—Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat—trail too far behind in the standings. Even if those teams win out the rest of the way, they still can’t catch up.
With the playoff spot locked in, Knicks fans have shifted their focus—from standings to Brunson‘s return. Last week, news broke that Jalen Brunson resumed basketball activities, immediately fueling excitement across Knicks Nation. ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth added to the optimism, reporting: “There’s optimism Jalen Brunson will play this weekend, whether in Atlanta Saturday or at home Sunday.”
That was all Knicks fans needed to hear—suddenly, all eyes were locked on Saturday night.
Fans haven’t forgotten his last outing—he dropped a monster 39 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists, dragging the Knicks into overtime with pure willpower. But then came the heartbreak. In OT, Brunson came down on Austin Reaves’ foot, spraining his ankle and sidelining him ever since. It’s been over a month of waiting, refreshing Twitter feeds, and crossing fingers. But now—with a game against the Atlanta Hawks tonight—the question is heating up: Is this the moment Brunson returns? Let’s take a look at it
New York Knicks Injury Report:
Jalen Brunson is officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Hawks—and honestly? That’s kind of a win. After being out for over a month with that ankle sprain from his rough landing on Austin Reaves’ foot, moving up to “questionable” feels like spotting the first ray of sunshine after weeks of rain. He’s been cleared for basketball activities, the buzz is building, and Knicks fans are practically manifesting his return.
Full Knicks injury report Saturday in Atlanta:
––Jalen Brunson upgraded QUESTIONABLE
––Cam Payne also upgraded QUESTIONABLE
after being out since 3/26
––Deuce McBride still OUT
though practiced today
––Mitchell Robinson QUESTIONABLE on back to back
––Hukporti remains OUT pic.twitter.com/Iq8EKCMx2I
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 4, 2025
It’s not just Brunson. The Knicks’ second unit is looking like they’ve been through a mini battle. Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is also questionable, which means rim protection could be a little dicey. Cameron Payne, dealing with—you guessed it—an ankle sprain, but he’s upgraded to questionable after being out for about 2 weeks, Still out but a potential comeback. Miles McBride is out with a groin injury and Ariel Hukporti? Still out. The Knicks might have to roll with a shorter rotation and get creative. It’s one of those nights where everyone on the bench might want to keep their shoes tied just in case Coach Thibs gives them the nod.
But while Brunson’s status brings a glimmer of hope, the rest of the Knicks’ depth chart? Well… it’s a bit of a patchwork puzzle right now. Let’s take a look at who’s in, and who’s out.
New York Knicks Depth Chart vs Atlanta Hawks
Injuries may be shaking up the backcourt, but the Knicks aren’t slowing down just yet. With Jalen Brunson still questionable and multiple second-unit guards sidelined, the depth chart’s getting shuffled. Still, the frontline looked sharp in their last outing.
POSITION
STARTER
2nd UNIT
3rd UNIT
PG
Jalen Brunson (Out)
Miles McBride (Out)
Cameron Payne (Out)
SG
Mikal Bridges
Cameron Payne (Out)
Landry Shamet
SF
Josh Hart
Landry Shamet
Mikal Bridges
PF
OG Anunoby
Josh Hart
Precious Achiuwa
C
Karl-Anthony Towns
Mitchell Robinson (DD)
Precious Achiuwa
The Knicks might be a little bruised, but their core showed out against the Cavs. Josh Hart dropped 19-4-5, OG Anunoby added a strong 23-6-6, and Karl-Anthony Towns dominated the paint with 25-1-13. With Brunson still questionable and a chunk of the backcourt sidelined, the depth chart is getting tested—but the frontline? Holding it down just fine.
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