A chilling moment during Sunday's Knicks-Cavaliers game left fans in suspense, as Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson fell to a seemingly grim non-contact knee injury. The injury occurred within the opening minute, with Brunson not returning for the remainder of the game.

After receiving a pass and elevating for a jump shot on the left wing, Brunson immediately clasped his knee in visible agony - all without a perceptible contact from defender Isaac Okoro. With assistance, Brunson made his way to the locker room, initially considered questionable to return, yet ultimately ruled out for the rest of the game due to what the Knicks' team reported as a "sore left knee."

Post-game, Coach Tom Thibodeau suggested a lighter prognosis, citing negative X-ray results and labeling the injury as a "knee contusion." Nonetheless, more tests are scheduled for Monday.

Brunson's potential absence will notably impact fantasy basketball lineups, as he serves as the pulse of the Knicks' offense, averaging 27.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, with a shooting average from the ‘3’ at 40.7%. His on-court presence has consistently leveraged the Knicks' scoring advantage, contributing to a 5.8 point lead per 100 possessions, rendering him a vital asset for daily fantasy basketball participants.

As Brunson joins the lineup of key Knicks' players - Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson, currently benched with injuries, the team's structural strength could falter. Currently fourth in the Eastern Conference (35-26), a mere 1.5 games ahead of the eighth-seed Pacers, Brunson's hiatus may pose a challenge for the Knicks maintaining their position amongst the top six, thereby affecting player selections in the daily fantasy basketball realm.

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