Knicks guard Jose Alvarado was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Magic with a left ankle issue. He had been day-to-day since Saturday, and New York is 0-2 and looking for its first win.
What happened
Jose Alvarado has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Magic. The injury report, updated at 5:38 PM ET, lists the 28-year-old guard as out with a left ankle and leg issue. He was day-to-day on Saturday with the same issue. James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported that Alvarado (ankle) is out for the game against Orlando. The report gives an expected return date of Oct. 27. Alvarado was also day-to-day on Oct. 5 with a left knee issue and was cleared on Oct. 8.
What it means for the Knicks
The Knicks host the Magic at 7:00 PM ET on Sunday. They are 0-2, 12th in the standings, and have lost two straight. Alvarado has played in both games, both losses. He is averaging 13.6 minutes, 5.0 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The Knicks have not played without him. The team has not announced who takes his minutes. The main rotation has been 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). McBride and Shamet are the other guards in that group.
What to watch
The report lists Oct. 27 as the expected return date, so Alvarado's status for that game is the next thing to check. His next update has not been announced. The Knicks have a chance to get their first win against the Magic on Sunday. Watch whether Alvarado's minutes go to McBride and Shamet, or to a bigger lineup, and how New York looks with him out.
Is Jose Alvarado playing vs the Magic?
No. Alvarado is out for Sunday's game against the Magic with a left ankle and leg issue. He had been day-to-day on Saturday.
When will Jose Alvarado be back?
The injury report lists an expected return date of Oct. 27. The Knicks have not announced anything beyond that, and his next status update has not been announced.