A team that the Miami Heat are competing with for a spot in the Eastern Conference standings may have suffered a major blow in the final weeks of the season.
New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson left Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a left knee injury. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters after the game that Brunson was dealing with a knee contusion and that there was no timetable for Brunson’s return.
Brunson’s absence could be devastating for the Knicks, who have lost seven of their last 10 games and are just a game and a half ahead of the Heat for the No. 4 seed.
Brunson appeared to suffer an injury after attempting a jump on Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro. There was no contact during the play, but Brunson’s legs split awkwardly when he landed. He staggered away from the game before collapsing to the ground and grabbing his left leg. Brunson was then carried to the locker room in obvious pain.
Miami’s other rivals in the East are dealing with injury issues. The Philadelphia 76ers are awaiting the return of star center Joel Embidd, who told reporters last week he hopes to return before the end of the regular season. Guard Tyrese Maxey left Sunday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks after being shot in the back of the head, but returned to finish the game.
Center Kristaps Porzingis missed the Boston Celtics’ win over the Golden State Warriors due to a quad injury.
The Heat are not without injury concerns. Tyler Herro is dealing with a right foot injury after recovering from a sprained knee that kept him sidelined the last four games. Josh Richardson has missed the last seven games while recovering from a dislocated right shoulder and Kevin Love has missed the last two games with a bruised ankle.
Two and a half games separate the Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Heat and Indiana Pacers for the 4-8 seeds in the East.
