Jalen Brunson will play on Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The New York Knicks guard has been cleared from the ankle issue that kept him out of the previous game and is no longer listed on the team’s injury report.For New York, the timing matters. Christmas Day games carry weight around the league, and having Jalen Brunson available gives the Knicks their primary scorer and decision-maker for a matchup that will be closely watched across the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson’s injury report vs the Cleveland Cavaliers (December 25, 2025)
Jalen Brunson missed New York Knicks’ recent loss to Minnesota due to right ankle injury management. Since then, his status has steadily improved. Updated team and league reports now list him as available, with no restrictions attached.That effectively confirms the plan. Unless something unexpected happens before tipoff, Brunson will start and play his normal minutes.
Why the New York Knicks sat Jalen Brunson out
The ankle issue is not new. Brunson dealt with a grade 1 sprain earlier in the season and has managed soreness since then. The Knicks chose to rest him for one game rather than push through it.The quick turnaround tells the story. One game off, followed by full clearance, points to caution rather than concern. The team appears confident the ankle responded well and does not pose a risk going forward.
December has been Brunson’s month
Before sitting out, Jalen Brunson was in strong form. In December, he has averaged about 30.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds while shooting efficiently from the floor and from three.His last game before the rest stood out. He scored 47 points with eight assists against Miami, a performance that added fuel to All-Star and MVP discussions. That showing made his availability for Christmas the biggest question surrounding this game.
What it changes against Cleveland
With Brunson active, the New York Knicks enter the holiday matchup near the top of the East. The Cleveland Cavaliers arrive short-handed, with Evan Mobley and Max Strus ruled out and Larry Nance Jr. sidelined by a calf injury.Cleveland will still lean on Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but missing frontcourt depth shifts the balance. With Tom Thibodeau likely to give Brunson heavy minutes, New York will look to control pace and attack mismatches.The situation is clear. Brunson is cleared, the ankle is no longer an issue, and the Knicks will have their leader on the floor for a Christmas Day game that doubles as a test of where they stand in the East.
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