Knicks guard Jose Alvarado is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Sunday's game against Orlando with a left ankle sprain. New York is 0-2 and could be without a rotation guard for a third game.
What happened
Alvarado was added to the injury report Saturday at 5:48 PM ET as day-to-day with a left ankle issue. The report's comment reads: "Alvarado is questionable for Sunday's game against Orlando due to a left ankle sprain." He had no listed status before this report. Earlier this month, he was listed day-to-day on Oct. 5 with a left knee issue and was cleared on Oct. 8. The report gives an expected return date of Oct. 25, the day of the Magic game. No further detail on the severity of the sprain has been announced.
What it means for the Knicks
The Knicks host the Magic on Sunday at 7:00 PM ET. They are 0-2, sit 14th in the seed race and have lost two straight. Alvarado, 28, has played in both games this season. He averages 13.6 minutes, 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Last season he played 69 games and averaged 19.9 minutes, 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists. If he sits, the minutes would likely go to the existing rotation. Jalen Brunson (35.6 minutes), Josh Hart (33.1), OG Anunoby (32.6), Karl-Anthony Towns (30.4), Mikal Bridges (27.4), Landry Shamet (22.9), Miles McBride (21.8) and Andre Drummond (15.8) are the leading minute earners. New York is 0-2 with him and has not yet played a game without him.
What to watch
The next update should come before Sunday's 7:00 PM ET tip against the Magic, when the Knicks finalize their status for the game. The report lists Oct. 25 as his expected return, but he is still questionable and no firm timeline for the ankle has been announced. If he is out, watch how the staff splits his minutes among Shamet and McBride. The Knicks are looking for their first win of the season.
Is Jose Alvarado playing vs the Magic?
He is questionable for Sunday's game against Orlando at 7:00 PM ET with a left ankle sprain. His status is day-to-day and a final decision has not been announced.
When will Jose Alvarado be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Oct. 25, the day of the Magic game. He is questionable, and no further timeline for the ankle sprain has been announced.