The New York Knicks are preparing for a matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, March 20.
With little travel in between games, the team held a practice session in New York on Thursday. The Knicks got great news regarding their star guard, Jalen Brunson.
The veteran was a part of the practice session after missing their most recent game against the Indiana Pacers.
Knicks Get Great Jalen Brunson News Before The Brooklyn Game
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
*UPDATE: Jalen Brunson is not listed on the initial injury report for Friday’s game
Brunson is currently dealing with a neck strain, according to the Knicks’ latest injury report. He has also been managing an ankle injury.
With the two setbacks in play heading into a game against the struggling and undermanned Indiana Pacers, the Knicks clearly felt comfortable with a Brunson-less lineup.
The star guard was ruled out, while the head coach, Mike Brown, maintained confidence in Brunson’s ability to return for Friday’s game against the Nets.
The Knicks landed a strong performance from the veteran forward, Josh Hart. In 26 minutes of action, the forward had a strong shooting night, making 12-13 shots from the field. He was perfect from beyond the arc, draining all five of his threes.
Hart finished the game with 33 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Knicks’ veteran OG Anunoby was second in line with a 26-point showing in 29 minutes. He nearly landed a double-double by coming down with eight rebounds.
The Knicks knocked off the Pacers 136-110.
Indiana dropped their last two, and they are sitting with a 15-54 record.
The Knicks haven’t revealed their official injury report for Friday’s game against the Nets yet, but a sight of Brunson at practice is clearly a positive sign for his playing status.
The Knicks’ Standing In The Eastern Conference
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-pointer during the first quarter of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Friday will mark the fourth meeting of the year between the Knicks and the Nets. This season, the Knicks are going for the sweep for the third year in a row.
The Nets haven’t defeated the Knicks since January 28, 2023. If the Knicks pull off a win on Friday, it will mark the 14th victory over Brooklyn in a row.
Heading into the Thursday night slate with the day off, the Knicks are holding the Eastern Conference’s third seed.
After taking down the Pacers on Tuesday, the Knicks improved to 45-25 on the year. They are in the midst of a four-game winning streak. The Knicks are trailing the first-seeded Detroit Pistons by 5.0 games. The Boston Celtics have a 1.5-game lead over the Knicks for the second seed.
New York will look to improve on Friday, when they face the 17-52 Nets. The game is slated for a 7:30 PM ET tip.
Knicks Get Great Jalen Brunson News Before Nets Game