The New York Knicks are prioritizing health for the postseason, ruling out two key rotation players for Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Guard Miles McBride (pelvic/core muscle) and center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle) will both sit for injury management after logging 19 minutes each in Thursday's hard-fought win over the Boston Celtics.
With only two games left in the regular season, the decision is a clear strategic move to ensure their depth is ready for the playoff grind. McBride contributed four points and two assists in his last outing, while Robinson provided a solid interior presence with seven points, seven rebounds, and three steals.
The injury situation remains fluid for the Knicks. In a recent development, star forward Karl-Anthony Towns was a late scratch from a game against the Chicago Bulls due to a right elbow impingement. This came just one night after Towns notched his second triple-double as a Knick, highlighting the delicate balance between performance and preservation this time of year.
Earlier in the week, the team also faced a significant back-to-back challenge without its floor general. Jalen Brunson was ruled out for a matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies due to right ankle soreness, joining McBride and Robinson on the sidelines. In his absence, Jose Alvarado stepped into the starting lineup alongside Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Looking at the broader injury report, guard Landry Shamet (knee) is out for Sunday's contest against the Washington Wizards after exiting a previous game with soreness. Meanwhile, Josh Hart, who missed that same game with a knee issue, is listed as questionable. Shamet started in Hart's place last time out, and his availability will be crucial as the Knicks finalize their rotation before the playoffs begin.
