Tyler

Kolek

Anunoby sprained his left ankle during the Knicks’ April 10 win over the Raptors, sitting out the regular-season finale against the Hornets two days later. He’s good to go for Saturday’s series opener, and the Knicks will have a clean injury report as Tyler Kolek is also available.

While Brunson will miss Sunday’s game due to injury management, Kolek will miss a fourth straight with a strained oblique. Jose Alvarado should play plenty, and Sunday’s game may be one where the Knicks look to get Miles McBride going, as he’s struggled since returning from sports hernia surgery.

Kolek will remain out for another game, but with Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado both healthy, there wouldn’t be enough minutes for Kolek even if he was healthy.

Kolek’s absence does not affect the Knicks’ rotation, as Miles McBride’s recent return pushed the second-year guard even further down the pecking order.

Kolek, the lone Knick on the injury report for Thursday’s game, is not a consistent member of the team’s rotation. His availability does not affect fantasy basketball.

Brunson and Deuce will be available after sitting out Wednesday, and both should handle their typical workloads. Jose Alvarado, Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson should all see their minutes reduced with New York’s top two point guards available.

McBride will be sidelined for the second leg of this back-to-back, which should lead to extra minutes for Jose Alvarado. Jalen Brunson (ankle) is questionable, so if he is out, Tyler Kolek should see a big bump in minutes as well.

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.

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.