The stage is set for another electric showdown as the New York Knicks prepare to face the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinals clash. After stunning the Celtics in a nail-biting overtime thriller in Game 1, the Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead and the momentum heading into TD Garden Wednesday night.
But as fans gear up for what could be a pivotal turning point in the series, one question looms large: is Jalen Brunson playing tonight? The star guard was instrumental in the Knicks’ Game 1 comeback and remains the heartbeat of Tom Thibodeau’s squad. Let’s dive into the latest updates and see where both teams stand ahead of tip-off.
Jalen Brunson’s Injury Status & Knicks Update
Let’s start with the good news for Knicks fans: Jalen Brunson is not listed on New York’s official injury report. That’s right—Brunson is expected to suit up and play in Game 2, and the Knicks will need every bit of his production if they hope to steal another game on the road.
Brunson was nothing short of heroic in Game 1, pouring in 29 points, including several clutch buckets down the stretch to erase Boston’s once-formidable 20-point lead. He logged heavy minutes and showed no visible signs of discomfort, suggesting that even if he’s banged up—like most stars are this deep into the postseason—he’s ready to roll.
Feb 3, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) runs up court after basket during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In fact, the Knicks submitted a completely clean injury report ahead of Wednesday’s contest. No questionable tags, no game-time decisions, no late scratches. That’s a massive advantage for a team that relies heavily on its top six rotation players, especially given how grueling Game 1 turned out to be both physically and emotionally.
Brunson’s presence gives the Knicks stability, leadership, and a go-to scoring option that the Celtics struggled to contain in the opener. He’s also pivotal in dictating pace, especially when Boston tries to ramp up the tempo or extend defensive pressure. Expect him to be ultra-aggressive early, particularly if he senses any defensive drop-off from Jaylen Brown or Derrick White.
What can we expect tonight?
Meanwhile, Boston’s injury situation remains cautiously optimistic. Kristaps Porzingis is listed as probable due to a non-COVID illness that sidelined him from team activities earlier in the week. Barring a late setback, the 7-footer is expected to suit up, giving the Celtics a much-needed interior presence on both ends.
Sam Hauser, however, remains doubtful with a right ankle sprain. Hauser’s absence may not grab headlines, but his sharpshooting from beyond the arc was a key spacing element for Boston throughout the season. With him potentially sidelined, Joe Mazzulla might need to tweak his rotation, relying more on Payton Pritchard or Oshae Brissett to pick up spot minutes.
The most important non-injury note? Jayson Tatum is not on the injury report and is a full go. After struggling from three-point range (4-of-15) in Game 1 but still recording 23 points and 16 boards, Tatum knows the Celtics can’t afford to fall behind 0-2 before heading to MSG.
The Knicks pulled off a minor miracle in Game 1, not just overcoming a double-digit deficit, but doing it in Boston, where the Celtics went 37-4 during the regular season. A big reason was Jalen Brunson’s leadership and composure, which proved contagious as OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and even Miles McBride stepped up when it mattered most.
Apr 21, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau speaks to his team on the bench during a time out during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brunson’s effect on this Knicks team can’t be overstated. He’s their pulse, and when he’s in rhythm, the Knicks’ offense flows with surgical precision. In Game 1, he not only delivered scoring but also forced Boston’s defense to collapse, opening up driving lanes and corner threes.
Still, the Celtics missed a staggering 45 three-pointers in Game 1—a playoff record. That kind of cold streak doesn’t usually repeat itself. The Knicks’ defense deserves credit for running Boston off the line, but they’ll need to be just as sharp in Game 2 because a hot shooting night from the Celtics could spell serious trouble.
So, is Jalen Brunson playing tonight? Yes—and that’s huge for the Knicks as they aim to take a 2-0 lead in Boston. With a clean bill of health and the momentum on their side, New York has a real chance to put the defending East champs in a hole. But don’t count out the Celtics, especially if their shooting regresses to the mean. All signs point to an intense, high-stakes battle at TD Garden—and Brunson will be right in the middle of it.
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