The anticipated return of Knicks guard Miles McBride could be on the horizon as he is listed as “probable” for the upcoming game following an ankle injury sustained on December 7. This update means that there is a 75% chance McBride will make his return to the court after missing the last eight games.
McBride has significantly impacted the team this season, boasting a record of 16-4 when he plays. He is enjoying a standout year, averaging a career-high 11.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.6% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc. Across roughly 27 minutes of play, his contributions have been vital to the Knicks’ performance.
While McBride’s return is promising, there is still uncertainty surrounding his potential return as there have been previous indications of a comeback that did not materialize. McBride is expected to assess his ankle during pregame warm-ups to determine if he is fit to play.
The Knicks’ bench has already evolved during McBride’s absence, featuring Tyler Kolek, who has stepped up impressively. Over the past six games, Kolek has averaged 10.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while maintaining a shooting percentage of 46.4% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. With Jordan Clarkson also finding his rhythm, the Knicks are showcasing a deeper backcourt than they appeared to have earlier this season. A veteran backup point guard was initially a priority for the Knicks heading into the trade deadline, yet if McBride returns healthy, the team might feel secure in its current depth at the guard position.
However, the Knicks might face another potential setback as Kolek reported an ankle injury during a recent victory over the Hawks and is now listed as questionable for the next game.
Additionally, two-way forward Kevin McCullar Jr. made a notable impact in his most significant game appearance thus far, contributing 13 points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes, including three 3-pointers. His debut was well-received by Coach Mike Brown, who expressed interest in giving McCullar more chances to showcase his defensive skills, particularly against top opponents like Trae Young.
With these developments, the Knicks are not only looking to regain McBride but are also exploring new talent, indicating a hopeful trend for the team as they aim to enhance their performance moving forward.