Jose

Alvarado

McBride has been out since late January after undergoing surgery to address a sports hernia. Given a timeline of six to eight weeks, he appears to be closing in on a return to game action. With Landry Shamet (knee) out and deadline addition Jose Alvarado having struggled recently, getting McBride back would give the Knicks a welcome boost.

Knicks coach Mike Brown expected Brunson to be back for this game, and he was a full participant in practice on Thursday. Now, he’ll officially return, which will push Jose Alvarado back to the bench after a strong performance as a starter.

Brunson did not play in Tuesday’s win over the Pacers, with Jose Alvarado replacing him in the starting lineup. The Knicks’ captain appears on track to return on Friday against the Nets, as he fully participated in Thursday’s practice.

Alvarado moved into the starting lineup with Jalen Brunson (ankle) sidelined for this game and took full advantage of the opportunity. He recorded a double-double for the first time this season and provided his usual dose of steals. Knicks coach Mike Brown said he’d “imagine” Brunson is back to take on the Nets on Friday, so this was likely just a one-game stream for Alvarado, though it’s worth keeping an eye on the injury report. It’s also worth noting how good Alvarado was in case Brunson misses more time in the future.

McBride was expected to miss six-to-eight weeks, and Friday will mark six weeks since that report. It appears he’s on track to return soon, and he will provide extra depth in the backcourt alongside Jose Alvarado. However, Tyler Kolek will be pushed even further down the depth chart.

Alvarado will replace Jalen Brunson (ankle) in the starting unit for this game. This will be his first start as a Knick, and he should provide plenty of steals and assists in an increased role.

Initially listed as questionable with right ankle injury management, Brunson was downgraded to doubtful Tuesday afternoon and subsequently ruled out. It’s a tough break for fantasy managers in the midst of the fantasy playoffs. Jose Alvarado is the best bet for a replacement addition from the Knicks’ bench while Tyler Kolek could have appeal in deeper formats.

Brunson’s status means fantasy managers will need to prepare for an absence. It’s not great timing in the midst of the fantasy playoffs, but desperate managers can look to Jose Alvarado or potentially Tyler Kolek in deeper leagues.

Due to right ankle injury management and a cervical strain, Brunson is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup with the Pacers. If he’s unable to play, the Knicks will likely turn to Jose Alvarado to fill the void, with Tyler Kolek entering the rotation.

The emotions of playing his first Knicks home game may have gotten the best of Alvarado in Tuesday’s loss to the Pacers. There were no such issues for the Brooklyn native on Wednesday, as he took over during the third and fourth quarters. Alvarado shot 8-of-13 from beyond the arc, dropping 26 points while showing why he’s nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” with the five steals. And he recorded that stat line in just 19 minutes. With Miles McBride (core) possibly out until the postseason, Alvarado isn’t a bad pickup in deep leagues, even if nights like Wednesday won’t become the norm.