Knicks' Brunson Doubtful for Tuesday's Game vs. Pacers

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson downgraded to doubtful with ankle and neck injuries

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:21pm

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Indiana Pacers due to ankle and neck injuries. Brunson has been playing well recently, averaging over 26 points per game, but will likely miss this matchup against the struggling Pacers.

Why it matters

Brunson's absence will be a significant blow for the Knicks, who have struggled without their leading scorer this season. The team will need to rely more on players like Jose Alvarado and Karl-Anthony Towns to pick up the slack, while the Pacers will be missing their own top player in Pascal Siakam.

The details

Brunson was initially listed as questionable but has now been downgraded to doubtful due to the ankle and neck injuries. Teammate Mitchell Robinson has also been downgraded to questionable with a back issue. In Brunson's absence, Jose Alvarado is expected to start at point guard, making him an attractive fantasy option. The Knicks are still 15.5-point favorites over the struggling Pacers, who have lost 13 games in a row.

  • Brunson has been excellent recently, scoring at least 28 points in four straight games.

The players

Jalen Brunson

A guard for the New York Knicks who is averaging 26.6 points and 6.3 assists per game this season.

Jose Alvarado

A guard for the New York Knicks who is expected to start in place of the injured Brunson.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A forward for the New York Knicks who is expected to see a larger role with Brunson out.

OG Anunoby

A forward for the New York Knicks who is expected to see a larger role with Brunson out.

Pascal Siakam

A forward for the Indiana Pacers who is doubtful to play due to a knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen Brunson downgraded to doubtful. And Mitchell Robinson is now questionable – back tightness.”

— Steve Popper, Sports reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This injury to Jalen Brunson is a significant blow for the Knicks, who have struggled without their leading scorer this season. The team will need to rely more on role players like Jose Alvarado and get big games from Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby to overcome Brunson's absence against the struggling Pacers.