Knicks Face Early Adversity as Road Struggles and Injuries Test Their Depth

The New York Knicks have opened the season with a stark contrast between their performances at Madison Square Garden and on the road. A 0–4 start away from home underscores the challenge they face, highlighted again in Monday’s narrow 115–113 loss to the Miami Heat. Complicating matters were the absences of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, a duo whose combined impact on both ends of the floor is difficult to replace.

While the Knicks managed to win their first game without Brunson last week, sustaining that success becomes far more challenging without two of their most dependable contributors. Brunson, who traveled with the team on its current road trip, was upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s matchup in Dallas, offering a potential boost. Anunoby’s outlook, however, is more uncertain, as he is not expected to be re-evaluated for two weeks.

The absence of Anunoby marks his first missed game this season, and though the Knicks handled his handful of absences well last year, the broader context suggests his impact goes far beyond the win-loss column. His two-way presence, positional versatility, and dependable production have become central to New York’s identity under head coach Mike Brown.

The upcoming stretch — four straight road games followed by a challenging schedule — will serve as an early-season barometer for how well the Knicks can adapt without their premier defensive stopper and one of their most efficient offensive pieces.

1. Anunoby’s Value and the Challenge of Replacing Him

Although Monday marked Anunoby’s first missed game of the season, injuries have rarely been a major issue for him since arriving in New York. Last season, he missed just eight games, and the Knicks posted a 6–2 record in his absence. But that surface-level success doesn’t fully capture how much Anunoby influences the team’s performance. Across both regular-season and postseason contests since he joined the Knicks, the team is a middling 31–32 without him. That record reflects how central his all-around skill set has become. This season, he is averaging 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and nearly a block per game — mirroring the consistency he has shown in 109 total games with New York. Offensively, the Knicks do appear better equipped than in years past to withstand his absence. Their bench has been one of the league’s more productive units, averaging 35.9 points per game, a significant increase from last season’s 21.7. That spike reflects improved depth and a bench rotation with a higher collective ceiling. However, replacing Anunoby involves far more than filling in his offensive numbers. He is routinely tasked with defending the opponent’s top scoring threat, whether on the perimeter or in the paint. His ability to guard multiple positions at a high level is nearly impossible to duplicate with a single player.

2. Depth and Coaching Give Knicks More Flexibility

One reason the Knicks remain optimistic about navigating Anunoby’s absence is their improved depth on the wing. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, both strong two-way players, can shoulder much of the defensive workload. Bridges, in particular, has taken a noticeable step forward this season, giving New York another high-level option to help maintain its defensive schemes. The shift from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown has also changed how the Knicks manage their rotation. Brown is more willing to extend trust to his bench and spread minutes across the roster. That approach allows New York to compensate for its injuries by committee rather than relying on one player to take on a disproportionate burden. Players such as Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, Guerschon Yabusele, and Jordan Clarkson have earned steady minutes under Brown, providing versatility and necessary scoring support. Their collective contributions have given the Knicks newfound lineup flexibility, especially during stretches when injuries force changes to the starting unit. This depth will be especially important as the Knicks navigate their next handful of games, many of which feature opponents dealing with their own injury concerns. New York may not replace Anunoby’s two-way impact entirely, but its enhanced roster balance gives it a more realistic chance to stay competitive.

3. Manageable Schedule Offers Opportunity to Stabilize

The Knicks’ upcoming schedule provides some relief as they navigate the next two weeks without Anunoby. Their next five opponents — the Mavericks, Magic, Nets, Hornets, and Bucks — present a mix of winnable games and tougher challenges, but none appear insurmountable given the circumstances. Charlotte, Dallas, and Brooklyn are a combined 9–33, positioning those matchups as favorable even without a full roster. The Magic and Bucks present more significant threats, but both are dealing with injuries themselves, including absences for Paolo Banchero and Giannis Antetokounmpo. If those stars remain sidelined, New York’s chances improve considerably. The two-week timeline ending on November 28 aligns with the end of this stretch, offering a natural reevaluation point for Anunoby’s recovery and the team’s performance without him. Given the mix of opponents and their own roster reinforcements, a 3–2 record would represent a reasonable expectation — and could even be a conservative one. Injuries remain part of the modern NBA landscape, and the Knicks are far from the only team learning to adapt early in the season. What sets New York apart is that its roster — deeper, more versatile, and more balanced than in years past — appears constructed to withstand these temporary setbacks without derailing the broader trajectory.