The New York Knicks are still waiting on a final call for Jalen Brunson ahead of their January 19, 2026 home game against the Dallas Mavericks. Brunson is listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain and has already missed the last two games. His status remains the main focus as New York tries to stop a three-game losing streak.The matchup carries extra meaning. Dallas is Brunson’s former team, and the Knicks have struggled to look like themselves without him. Whether he plays or not will likely shape how competitive this game is from the opening tip.
Jalen Brunson’s Injury and Missed Time
Jalen Brunson injured his right ankle earlier this month against the Sacramento Kings. He twisted it early in the first quarter and did not return. Since then, he has sat out two straight games, including a loss to the Phoenix Suns.The Knicks are 1-4 this season without him. The team has taken a cautious approach, listing him day to day and avoiding any rush. Head coach Tom Thibodeau and the medical staff have focused on recovery rather than forcing a quick return.
Jalen Brunson’s Latest Injury Report vs Dallas Mavericks (January 19, 2026)
As of game day, Jalen Brunson remains questionable. Josh Hart is also listed as questionable with an ankle issue. Some local reports suggest optimism, but there has been no official confirmation that Brunson will play.The Knicks enter the night with a 25-17 record. Dallas comes in at 17-26 and is dealing with several injuries of its own. That context could matter if Brunson is close to being cleared, but the team has not indicated whether that will factor into the decision.
What Changes If Brunson Plays
Without Brunson, New York’s offense has been inconsistent. The ball movement slows, and late-game execution has suffered. His scoring and decision-making are hard to replace, especially against teams that can pressure the perimeter.The Knicks are listed as double-digit home favorites, but that line reflects uncertainty. Brunson’s presence would likely stabilize the offense and reduce the margin for mistakes against a short-handed opponent.
Dallas Mavericks Arrives Short-Handed
The Mavericks are missing several key players, including Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford. Injuries have limited their depth and consistency, especially on the road.Also read: Dallas Mavericks vs New York Knicks injury report: Injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 19, 2026)The game will be played at Madison Square Garden, and Brunson’s availability may not be known until warmups. For now, the Knicks wait, knowing the outcome could look very different depending on whether their point guard is in uniform.
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