New York Knicks' Miles McBride Rested for Playoff Opener

Backup point guard to play reduced role in Game 1 against Atlanta Hawks

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:09am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the various perspectives and movements on the court.A cubist interpretation of a pivotal moment in the Knicks-Hawks playoff matchup, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of the game.Cincinnati Today

New York Knicks point guard Miles McBride will not be in the starting lineup for Game 1 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. McBride had started the Knicks' regular-season finale against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 21 points, but will revert to a bench role as the primary backup to starter Jalen Brunson.

Why it matters

The Knicks are resting their starters for the playoff opener, giving McBride an opportunity to see increased playing time in the regular-season finale but reducing his role in the postseason opener. This speaks to the team's depth at the point guard position and their confidence in McBride as a reliable backup option.

The details

McBride, a 25-year-old in his fourth NBA season, has averaged 12.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this regular season. He has played a key role off the bench for the Knicks, who finished the season with a 46-36 record and the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

  • McBride started the Knicks' regular-season finale against the Hornets on Sunday, April 9, 2026.
  • The Knicks will face the Hawks in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Miles McBride

A 25-year-old point guard in his fourth NBA season with the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson

The starting point guard for the New York Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“McBride is not in New York's starting lineup against Atlanta in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Saturday.”

— Kevin Chouinard, Hawks' official site reporter

What’s next

The Knicks will look to McBride to provide valuable minutes off the bench in support of Brunson as they begin their playoff run against the Hawks.

The takeaway

The Knicks' decision to rest their starters for the playoff opener highlights the team's depth and their confidence in McBride as a reliable backup point guard. While his role will be reduced in Game 1, McBride's performance in the regular-season finale suggests he is ready to contribute when called upon in the postseason.