Knicks Face Tough Injury News During Giannis Trade Discussions
The New York Knicks are currently facing significant injury concerns as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Washington Wizards. Key guard Miles McBride is set to miss his fourth consecutive game due to an ankle sprain. Meanwhile, center Mitchell Robinson is sidelined as part of an injury management strategy for his left ankle.
Injury Updates: McBride and Robinson
Both players’ absences add strain to the team’s lineup. Ian Begley reported via X that, “Mitchell Robinson and Miles McBride are both out tomorrow at Washington due to left ankle injury management.” Robinson is expected to return for their next game against the Denver Nuggets, despite having not participated in back-to-back games this season due to strict protocols following surgery.
- Miles McBride: Missing his fourth straight game; 14 games missed this season due to various injuries.
- Mitchell Robinson: Sidelined due to injury management; has not played back-to-back games since May 2024 surgery.
McBride has been particularly affected by injuries this season, with three consecutive games missed recently. There are concerns that he may not have fully recovered from his earlier ankle sprain, prompting the team to exercise caution.
Knicks’ Performance Amidst Injuries
Despite these setbacks, the Knicks have managed to maintain a six-game winning streak. Their recent performance has positioned them favorably in the league standings.
- Ranked No. 1 in defensive rating (95.2).
- Ranked No. 4 in offensive rating (119.5).
- Ranked No. 1 in net rating (24.3).
This unexpected success has raised questions about their interest in pursuing a trade for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo before the impending NBA trade deadline.
Potential Trade Talks for Giannis
Reports indicate that the Knicks may not be aggressively pursuing Giannis. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst suggested that the team is not likely to “go all in” on a trade. He pointed out that the Knicks were hesitant to make significant offers in prior discussions, indicating a preference to build around their current roster.
Windhorst stated, “The Knicks believe in this team. They didn’t make an aggressive offer at the time of those talks.” Additionally, sources suggest that the Milwaukee Bucks are evaluating offers from several teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat, both seen as more serious contenders for acquiring Antetokounmpo.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Knicks’ strategy appears to be focused on strengthening their current lineup instead of engaging in high-stakes bidding for Giannis.
