The last few weeks of the NBA season have been a war of attrition for the New York Knicks. They are dealing with injuries to several key members of their lineup, as Mitchell Robinson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby are all dealing with long-term injuries.
Robinson has not played since December 8th after having to undergo surgery on his ankle. Randle was injured on January 27th while playing against the Miami Heat when he suffered a separated shoulder.
Anunoby was dealing with an elbow issue, which required surgery. He missed 18 games from January 27th on, before being able to get back on the court for three. But, his return was short-lived, as he is sidelined once again dealing with his elbow.
With their depth already being tested, the Knicks could be without another rotation piece on Monday night against the Detroit Pistons. According to Tommy Beer on X, backup guard Alec Burks is been downgraded to questionable as he is dealing with a sprained right shoulder.
That could explain some of the issues Burks has been having since rejoining the Knicks via a deal with the Pistons ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. He has been the least effective shooter in the league as the only qualified player shooting under 33 percent from the field, 30 percent from 3-point range and 70 percent from the foul line since the deadline.
If Burks is unable to suit up, we could see Shake Milton get his first extended playing time with the Knicks since being signed off of the buyout market. It would also cement Miles McBride into another high-minute workload, as he could be in line for another 48-minute game.
McBride became only the second player in the NBA this season to play all 48 minutes when he did it on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets. The first player to do it was his teammate Josh Hart, who did it last Monday against the Golden State Warriors.
More must-reads: