
The New York Knicks are entering game four of their five-game road trip in tonight’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. New York is looking to get back in the win column, having posted a 1-2 record through its last three games. The Nets, meanwhile, are coming off another fourth-quarter collapse to the Toronto Raptors and are also looking for their third win in their last five outings.
As for the injury report for both teams, here’s who’s playing — and who’s sidelined.
The Knicks continue to list OG Anunoby as out with a hamstring strain, which comes as no surprise since he hasn’t traveled with the team during this road trip. Miles “Deuce” McBride is listed as available after missing Saturday night’s matchup due to an illness. Mitchell Robinson is questionable with an undisclosed illness, and Landry Shamet remains out with a right shoulder strain suffered against the Orlando Magic.
The biggest storyline is how the Knicks — and head coach Mike Brown — will operate without Shamet in the lineup. McBride is expected to rejoin the starting unit, where he has slotted in on several occasions this season. His role should expand on both ends of the floor. McBride is averaging a career-high 10.1 points per game and will look to keep that momentum going against a banged-up Nets squad.
Brooklyn has already ruled out Cam Thomas, Haywood Highsmith, and Ben Saraf due to long-term injuries. Nic Claxton, originally listed with left quad tightness, is now probable for tonight’s matchup.
Claxton has been lights-out in what has been a step-back season for Brooklyn overall. He’s averaging 14.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a career-high 4.3 assists on 57.6% shooting — and has taken full advantage of an expanded offensive role, including recording his first career triple-double in a win over the Boston Celtics. If Claxton can use his matchups to score at will, he shouldn’t have any issues repeating history.
Brooklyn is hoping to snap what has become a lengthy losing streak against New York. The Knicks, on the other hand, still have several issues to iron out — including Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting struggles and ongoing defensive lapses. If Mitchell Robinson isn’t a go for tonight, continue to expect either Mohamed Diawara or Ariel Hukporti to receive increased playing time. Whether they can tighten up remains to be seen, but tonight marks another chapter in the always-entertaining cross-borough rivalry.