The New York Knicks are just one series win away from reaching their first NBA finals in decades. But Jalen Brunson and Co. didn’t get off to the start they wanted in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. In fact, they made history by giving up a double-digit lead in the dying minutes of the game and eventually losing it in overtime.

So, Brunson and his teammates would love to avenge their loss in Game 2. And more importantly, they will want to tie up the series since letting the Pacers have an upper hand is a slippery slope. But will injuries put a damper on the Knicks’ spirits as they look to level things in this year’s Eastern Conference Finals? Let’s find out what their injury report says.

New York Knicks Injury Report – Will Jalen Brunson play tonight?

Jalen Brunson had some ankle issues earlier in the season after suffering an injury against the Lakers in March. But after missing a month’s worth of games in the regular season, Brunson returned with a vengeance to help the Knicks secure the 3rd seed over their Conference Finals opponents. Since then, Jalen has been relatively free of injuries. But what about tonight? 

That trend continues ahead of Game 2 in this series against Indiana. Jalen Brunson is not on the injury report for the Knicks. Nor are there any reports of him getting injured heading into this game. So, barring any last-minute changes, Jalen Brunson is AVAILABLE to play against the Pacers in the upcoming game.

The Knicks, for their part, have actually submitted a clean injury report for this game. But the Pacers haven’t been as lucky for this game. But they’re still in a good position injury-wise – they have only one player injured. Isaiah Jackson is OUT of this game and possibly the entire series as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon he suffered back in November.

But that’s it for the injuries to both squads heading into this game. So, clearly injuries won’t play a role in determining the outcome for Game 2. But there are still a lot of other unanswered questions as we approach tipoff.

Can Jalen Brunson and the Knicks tie things up in Game 2?

To win Game 2, Jalen Brunson needs to do more than just drop 40+ points. He was lights-out in Game 1, but offense alone isn’t gonna cut it. He’s got to keep the pressure on and bring his teammates along for the ride—especially in crunch time, where the Knicks are settling—only 38.5% of their attempts have come from two-point range all playoffs in the final minute. Not to mention, zero assisted buckets in the same period. The offense turned stagnant when it mattered most, and the result was historic: the New York Knicks became the first team in NBA playoff history to blow a 14-point lead with under three minutes to play.  

Defensively, Brunson’s gotta help set the tone early. The Knicks let Aaron Nesmith get way too comfortable, especially from deep. Eight threes? That can’t happen again. Brunson doesn’t have to shut him down solo, but he can’t let Indiana’s shooters get in rhythm again without a fight.

He also has to keep the offense moving. The Knicks visibly gassed out and got too predictable in the final minutes. Brunson can’t afford to just iso and hope something good happens. He needs to push the pace, find cutters, and keep the ball flying around to avoid getting stuck in the mud again.

Most importantly, Brunson has to lead—vocally, emotionally, all of it. The Knicks looked shell-shocked when Indiana started clawing back. He’s the guy now. He needs to be the calm in the chaos and keep the squad locked in for all 48. No coasting. No letting up. Game 2 is crucial to keeping the Knicks’ title hopes alive!