This year’s slate of NBA Christmas Day games kicks off with a matchup between two Eastern Conference contenders in the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Knicks enter the matchup sitting second in the standings in the Eastern Conference at 20-9, while the Cavs sit seventh at 17-14 after an underwhelming start to the season.
Jalen Brunson will play on Christmas Day vs. Cavaliers
The Christmas stage provides an opportunity for stars to shine, and luckily the Knicks will have their top star available.
After missing New York’s last game due to right ankle injury management, Jalen Brunson will be available for the Knicks. He’s not listed on the official injury report, so that’s a little Christmas gift for Knicks fans.
Brunson is coming off his best performance of the season. He dropped 47 points and 8 assists against the Miami Heat on Dec. 21. On the season he’s averaging 29.1 points, 6.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. He appears to be well on his way to another All-Star selection and he’s a legitimate MVP candidate.
The matchup between New York and Cleveland will be the second of the season. The Knicks bested the Cavs 119-111 back in October. They’re also set to play one more time in February.
More Knicks news: Jalen Brunson shuts down ‘foul baiter’ narrative with challenge to defenders