Is Jalen Brunson Playing Tonight? Key Injury Updates Ahead of Knicks vs. Celtics Season Opener

“I don’t think there’s any extra motivation going into Game 1, it’s the first game of the season. For us, we’re gonna see where we are after Game 1, and we’re gonna have to get better regardless”, mentioned Jalen Brunson in an interesting take when discussing his squad’s upcoming regular season opener game. Anyone else would get intimidated by having the Boston Celtics as their very first opponent of the season. However, the 28-year-old point guard revealed he would take the game as a testing ground to analyze his standing. Moreover, he also spoke about his roster, which underwent some major changes recently.

According to the Knicks Injury Report highlighted by the X account of ‘New York Basketball’, mixed news awaits the Knicks fraternity. Starting with the dessert first, Jalen Brunson fortunately HAS NOT listed himself on the injury report. That means he might play in the upcoming Knicks-Celtics game. This indicates that the point guard’s trouble with his hand from the previous season has not returned.

Now, it is time for the obnoxious veggies, as the report revealed that two key team players are out. Notably, Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson remain ‘OUT’ for the matchup. Kevin McCullar also remains in the ‘OUT’ category, though it isn’t in light of any specific ailment.

Concerns about Jalen Brunson’s availability arose due to doubts about his full recovery from a past injury. The Knicks star had gotten his left hand fractured during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Moreover, the incident happened against the Indiana Pacers, back in May. The 130-109 loss in that game resulted in the Knicks being eliminated from the playoffs. After undergoing surgery 2 days after Game 7, they put Brunson on rest with a reevaluation set for 6 to 8 weeks later.

While things became on the right track for the player, injury concerns resurfaced in July. It happened when Brunson participated in a WWE event hosted at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks star used his left hand while entering the ring. Likewise, he even used it to grab a steel chair for a moment. When questioned about the same, Brunson described his WWE experience by mentioning on X, “Just lived out a childhood dream, and yes the hand fine lol yall can relax (laughing emoji).”

He reiterated the assurance by appearing on the ‘Roommates Show’. Jalen stated, “At this point, there is no pain, no strength, there’s just no pain.” Brunson’s hand doesn’t seem to be an issue for the upcoming games, three months after the WWE event.

Meanwhile, the Knicks will have recently had to make some changes with Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson out for the game. The Nigerian power forward/center developed a left hamstring strain during the final game against the Washington Wizards. As a result, he will miss at least 2-4 weeks’ worth of games. Meanwhile, reports indicate the surgery Mitchell Robison underwent back in May to treat his ankle fractures will most likely prevent him from playing on the NBA court till 2025.

In light of the absence of two main players, it would be reassuring to have Jalen Brunson on the squad for the upcoming game. After all, if his previous matchups have told us anything, the player can hold his own against the 2024 champions.

How has Jalen Brunson performed against the Boston Celtics over the last 10 games?

In the 6 years he has been in the NBA, Jalen Brunson has gone against the Boston Celtics 16 times. He struggled badly during his initial few games. Well, it wasn’t until he left the Dallas Mavericks and joined the New York Knicks the point guard finally seemed to have found his footing.

In his last 10 matchups against the Celtics, Brunson has established a 5-5 win record by averaging 23.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. His last two matchups against the NY franchise, which took place in February and April, saw the player putting his highest totals against them by making 34 and 39 points, respectively. The 39 points were made in spite of Brunson opting out of the 4 quarter!

Jalen Brunson could be the Celtics’ worst nightmare during the upcoming game. Though the player does not take things seriously, Kristaps Porzingis’ absence may work in his favor.