Knicks Upgrade Miles McBride's Status as He Nears Return

McBride listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Thunder, a positive sign in his recovery from a sports hernia injury.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:23pm

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The New York Knicks have upgraded guard Miles McBride's status to questionable for their upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. McBride has been sidelined since January 27 after undergoing surgery to repair a sports hernia, but his ability to practice on Saturday suggests he is nearing a return to the lineup.

Why it matters

McBride's return would be a significant boost for the Knicks, as he was enjoying a career year prior to the injury, averaging 12.9 points per game on strong shooting splits. He also serves as one of the team's best perimeter defenders, an important role as the Knicks look to secure a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season.

The details

McBride last played on January 27 and has missed the Knicks' last several games due to the sports hernia injury. His upgrade to questionable for Sunday's game against the Thunder marks the first time he has not been ruled out since the injury. McBride was able to participate in the Knicks' practice on Saturday, a positive sign of his readiness to return to game action.

  • McBride last played on January 27.
  • McBride underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia injury shortly after his last game.
  • McBride has been ruled out for the Knicks' games since January 27.
  • McBride was upgraded to questionable for the Knicks' game against the Thunder on March 28.
  • McBride participated in the Knicks' practice on March 25.

The players

Miles McBride

A guard for the New York Knicks who was enjoying a career year prior to suffering a sports hernia injury in late January, averaging 12.9 points per game on strong shooting splits.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The reigning NBA MVP and star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, known for his ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, who has been critical of the officiating and Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls in the past.

Landry Shamet

A guard for the New York Knicks who did not practice on March 25 due to a right knee contusion and will miss his fourth straight game on March 28.

Josh Hart

A guard for the New York Knicks who discussed the team's need to adjust to how referees are calling games and how to defend players like Gilgeous-Alexander.

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What they’re saying

“You gotta give Shai a lot of credit, because he's crafty. He's the one that has figured out how to make sure he's in a position to take advantage of the situation or the system. We have to do a better job of not helping him or enhancing what he does really well.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

“There's so much dialogue about it. You gotta adjust to every ref [calling] things differently every game, every player, no two players are the same. You gotta be able to adjust to what the referees are calling, to your opponent.”

— Josh Hart, Guard, New York Knicks

What’s next

The Knicks will face the Thunder on Sunday, March 28, in a rematch of their previous matchup earlier this month. Coach Mike Brown and the team will look to better defend against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to draw fouls and take advantage of the officiating.

The takeaway

McBride's potential return would provide a significant boost to the Knicks as they look to secure a playoff spot in the final stretch of the season. His strong two-way play and perimeter defense will be crucial against elite guards like Gilgeous-Alexander. The Knicks will also need to continue adjusting to how referees are calling games and find ways to limit Gilgeous-Alexander's ability to get to the free-throw line.