The New York Knicks might be getting a crucial boost soon, as Miles McBride is on the verge of returning from injury. According to reports, McBride could be back in action as early as Sunday against Oklahoma City. If not, fans can expect to see him on the court either Tuesday in Houston or Wednesday in Memphis.
McBride has been sidelined since late January due to surgery for a core muscle injury, commonly known as a sports hernia. He participated in Saturday’s practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Thunder.
In other Knicks news, head coach Mike Brown made a strategic decision during Thursday’s loss to Charlotte, opting to bench Karl-Anthony Towns in favor of Mitchell Robinson for the game’s final stretch. The Knicks struggled on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 43-24, which prompted Brown to bring in Robinson, who made a noticeable impact with a plus-eight rating in his 26 minutes on the floor, compared to Towns’ minus-18 in 22 minutes.
Brown explained, “With Mitch in there, we matched their physicality and made a run. But being down by 20 on the road against a good team is tough.”
The Hornets, with their speed and athleticism, could pose a significant challenge for the Knicks if they meet in the first round of the playoffs. Coach Brown acknowledged the Hornets’ fast-paced style and the effectiveness of players like Josh Hart, who brought physicality and pressure on defense without fouling. Brown emphasized the need for a consistent defensive effort to compete with high-caliber teams like Charlotte.
On the defensive side, OG Anunoby has been a standout for the Knicks, contributing to their fifth-best defensive rating in the league. His performance this season has sparked discussions about his potential selection to the All-Defensive First Team. After a recent win, Brown praised Anunoby’s versatility and his ability to contain powerhouse players like Zion Williamson, highlighting his crucial role in the Knicks’ defensive success.