The New York Knicks could be returning a key guard to their rotation on Saturday against the Atlanta Hawks
The New York Knicks are building off their Eastern Conference Finals berth from a season ago and looking like a better team, riding an MVP-caliber season from Jalen Brunson and utilizing their depth under new head coach Mike Brown. After defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in a close one on Christmas Day, they'll head down to Atlanta to face the Hawks.
This has been an interesting season for the Hawks, highlighted by the breakout year from Jalen Johnson, who is playing at an All-NBA level. Much of that has come with Trae Young off the court, and the team has seemed to perform better when he hasn't been available. Heading into Saturday's contest, there are key injuries listed on both sides.
Knicks Injury Report
Looking at the injury report for the Knicks, Landry Shamet (shoulder) continues to be listed as OUT, as he last appeared on November 22nd. Before going down with an injury, Shamet was establishing himself in the rotation, highlighted by a 36-point performance against the Miami Heat.
A name that has been listed alongside Shamet for a while now has been Miles McBride (ankle). However, McBride is now being listed as QUESTIONABLE, as he could return for the first time since December 7th. It's hard to imagine he'll return to the starting lineup, but he flashes in nine starts with averages of 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists on 45.8% field goal shooting.
The last name listed for the Knicks is their top glue guy, as Josh Hart (ankle) is listed as OUT. Hart played 26 minutes against the Cavaliers on Christmas Day, dropping 15 points and grabbing five rebounds.
Hawks Injury Report
Atlanta's injury report features several players, but most of whom are two-way players or non-rotation players. The two notable players listed are Kristaps Porzingis (illness), who is listed as OUT, and Trae Young (quad), who is listed as PROBABLE.
As mentioned earlier, it's been a lackluster season for Young in terms of his standards. In nine appearances this season, he's averaging 20.4 points and 8.8 assists, but has scored 15 or fewer points in three of those contests.
While the Knicks are fighting for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, which is now closer within reach following Detroit's loss on Friday, the Hawks are fighting to stay in the play-in tournament. Tip-off at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta is set for 8:00 p.m. EST.