Jalen Brunson Ruled Out for Monday's Game; Knicks Star Continues Evolution

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Heat due to an ankle injury. Brunson, who fractured his hand during the playoffs last season and underwent surgery, was expected to be fully available for training camp. He had a career-best 2023-24 season, averaging 28.7 points and leading the Knicks to the No. 2 seed. His fantasy value for 2024-25 is projected to shift due to the expected full health of OG Anunoby and recent trades bringing Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks, though he remains the team's heart and soul. Brunson has consistently been a top-50 fantasy player, establishing himself as a premier guard and primary playmaker since joining the Knicks in 2022-23, where he averaged 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 0.9 steals. His earlier career with the Mavericks saw him excel in an expanded role, notably stepping up during Luka Doncic's playoff absence with 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across three games against the Jazz.