Key Knicks Veteran on Injury Report vs Detroit Pistons

The key reserve Cam Payne is questionable for Knicks-Pistons on Saturday night.

Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Cameron Payne (1) reacts after scoring in the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Knicks veteran guard Cam Payne is in danger of missing consecutive games for the second time this season. Earlier in the year, Payne was sidelined from November 4 to the tenth, missing four games. His absence came after the Knicks dominated the Detroit Pistons last month.

The reserve sharpshooter returned to the Knicks’ lineup on November 12 and played in the next 12 games. He’s been averaging 19 minutes off the bench and hitting on nearly 50 percent of his threes, taking over four attempts per game.

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

Currently, Payne’s status for Saturday is up in the air. He is listed as questionable due to a left elbow effusion.

Cam Payne (elbow) listed questionable for Saturday.

— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) December 6, 2024

Knicks' Brunson Remains in Question

The Knicks dealt with an injury scare this week occurring to their All-Star guard, Jalen Brunson. According to the team’s injury report, Brunson is currently dealing with a lower back contusion.

Jalen Brunson QUESTIONABLE vs Pistons Saturday - “lower back contusion” pic.twitter.com/ucv6c0RZgi

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 6, 2024

Fortunately for New York, blowout scenarios they are on the right side of have helped them limit Brunson’s minutes recently. Over the last three games, Brunson has averaged under 27 minutes on the court.

For Saturday’s game against the Pistons, he could get the night off as Brunson is questionable to play.

Earlier in the year, Brunson was a major piece to New York’s blowout victory over the Pistons. Brunson checked in for 30 minutes and scored 36 points on 63 percent shooting from the field. Once again, Brunson is off to a red-hot start to the year.

In 22 games, Brunson is averaging 25 points, three rebounds, and eight assists. He’s attempting six threes per game, knocking down long-range shots at a 43 percent clip.

So far, Brunson has yet to miss a matchup for New York. Since the Knicks got the night off on Friday, the additional day of rest might’ve given him a chance to feel more up for the matchup. If not, the Pistons could have a good opportunity in front of them, as they are facing a challenging Knicks team.