McBride Nears Return as Knicks Juggle Lineups and Evaluate Playoff Scenarios
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New York — Guard Miles McBride could be back in uniform as soon as Sunday when the Knicks visit the Thunder, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. The fifth-year reserve has not been ruled out for the matchup in Oklahoma City. If he sits Sunday, team plans call for a return Tuesday in Houston or Wednesday in Memphis.
McBride has been sidelined since late January after surgery to repair a core muscle injury commonly known as a sports hernia. He completed Saturday’s practice and will be listed as questionable against the Thunder, per The New York Post and Newsday.
Robinson Finishes, Towns Sits in Charlotte
Head coach Mike Brown turned to center Mitchell Robinson for the final eight minutes of Thursday’s loss in Charlotte, leaving Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench. New York was outrebounded 43–24, prompting Brown to seek more physicality inside. Robinson finished plus-8 in 26 minutes, while Towns was minus-18 in 22.
“When we had Mitch in there with certain guys, we were able to match their physicality, and we made a run,” Brown said. “But we were down 20 at that time, and versus a good team on the road, that’s tough to do.”
Towns also watched the closing minutes of Tuesday’s win in New Orleans, when Brown opted for a small-ball alignment.
Hornets Loom as Potential First-Round Challenge
If the regular season ends with New York in third and Charlotte in sixth, the Hornets could present the Knicks’ toughest first-round test, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reported. Brown acknowledged Charlotte’s up-tempo approach after Thursday’s game, noting the club’s speed, willingness to shoot quickly and perimeter threats.
“They play fast. They want to let that thing fly,” Brown said. He praised Josh Hart’s on-ball pressure but added that the team overall “has to do a better job” matching that intensity on the road.
Anunoby’s Defensive Impact
Forward OG Anunoby anchors a defense that ranks fifth in the NBA. Bondy wrote that the 28-year-old deserves a spot on the 2025-26 All-Defensive First Team. Brown highlighted Anunoby’s late-game work on Zion Williamson during Tuesday’s victory over the Pelicans, calling the assignment “huge” given Williamson’s physical presence.
The Knicks continue their road swing Sunday in Oklahoma City, with McBride’s status still to be determined.
Source: Hoops Rumors
