Miles McBride Injury Update: Return Timeline for Knicks Guard vs. Pelicans

Miles McBride’s return to the New York Knicks lineup appears to be drawing closer, offering a potential boost as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season and prepares for a playoff push. While still officially listed on the injury report, recent observations suggest the guard is progressing well in his recovery from core muscle surgery.

McBride has been sidelined since late January, undergoing surgery that initially left his return timeline uncertain. His absence has been felt by the Knicks, who have relied on Jalen Brunson to carry a significant offensive load. A healthy McBride would provide a valuable scoring option and alleviate some of the pressure on Brunson, potentially unlocking a more balanced attack.

The latest encouraging sign came on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, ahead of the Knicks’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans. According to reports, McBride participated in a pregame workout, a routine he hadn’t consistently followed since his injury. James L. Edwards of The Athletic noted that McBride was working out at his usual 6:15 PM time, a positive indicator of his progress.

“Miles McBride is out here doing his pregame workout at his normal 6:15 time,” Edwards wrote on X. “Been a while since he’s done that. McBride isn’t back tonight but looks like his return from core muscle surgery could be exceptionally, very soon.”

Head coach Mike Brown had previously indicated that McBride’s return wasn’t imminent, but the visible progress in his workouts suggests a potential return within the next few games of the regular season. The goal, according to McBride himself, is to be back on the court before the start of the playoffs, which are approximately a month away.

Before his injury, McBride was enjoying a strong season, averaging 12.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 35 games. He shot 43.4% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free-throw line. His efficiency and defensive intensity were key components of the Knicks’ success, and his absence has quietly altered the team’s offensive flow.

The timing of McBride’s potential return is particularly significant given the recent struggles of Mikal Bridges. Bridges has been in a shooting slump for over a month, averaging just 10.0 points per game over his last 10 outings and finding himself benched in crucial moments in favor of Landry Shamet. McBride’s return would provide a much-needed spark and potentially alleviate some of the defensive attention focused on Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Knicks, currently 47-25 and third in the Eastern Conference as of March 25, 2026, are aiming to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. A fully healthy roster, including a returning McBride, would significantly enhance their chances of making a deep postseason run.

Beyond McBride, the Knicks’ injury report for the game against the Pelicans included Landry Shamet (knee and tibia injury) as out. Two-way players Kevin McCullar, Ariel Hukporti, and Dillon Jones were also ruled out, while Trey Jemison was upgraded to available.

McBride’s progress is a welcome development for a Knicks team looking to solidify its position as a contender in the Eastern Conference. While a definitive return date remains uncertain, the signs are increasingly positive, suggesting that the energetic guard could be back on the court sooner rather than later.