The New York Knicks All-Star could miss the matchup against the Detroit Pistons

The New York Knicks have been dealing with an injury scare to their All-Star guard Jalen Brunson this week. According to the team’s injury report, Brunson is currently suffering from a lower back contusion.

Luckily for New York, blowout scenarios they’re on the right side of have helped limit Brunson’s minutes of late. Over the last three games, Brunson has averaged less than 27 minutes on the court.

He could have the evening off for Saturday’s game against the Pistons, as Brunson is questionable whether he can play.

Earlier in the year, Brunson was a key contributor to New York’s stunning victory over the Pistons. Brunson played 30 minutes and scored 36 points on 63 percent shooting from the field. Once again, Brunson is off to a blistering start to the year.

In 22 games, Brunson averaged 25 points, three rebounds and eight assists. He tries six three-pointers per game and blocks long-range shots with a hit rate of 43 percent.

Brunson has yet to miss a game against New York. Since the Knicks had Friday off, the extra day of rest might have given him a chance to feel fitter for the match. If not, the Pistons could have a good chance as they face a challenging Knicks team.

Cam Payne questionable against Pistons

New York’s veteran guard Cam Payne has missed a few games this season. Earlier this year, Payne was sidelined and missed four games from November 4th to 10th. His absence came after the Knicks dominated the Pistons last month.

The reserve sharpshooter returned to the Knicks’ lineup on November 12 and played in the next 12 games. He averaged 19 minutes off the bench and hit nearly 50 percent of his three-point shots, making more than four attempts per game.

Payne was a nice spark off the bench for New York, posting nine points and three assists per game. When the Knicks hosted the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, Payne took the evening off. He was coming off an 18-minute performance against the Orlando Magic.

At this time, Payne’s status for Saturday is uncertain.