New York Knicks star guard Jalen Brunson is sidelined for Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors due to a sprained right ankle. The injury occurred early in Wednesday's loss to the Sacramento Kings. Brunson limped off the court in the first quarter after an awkward step, finishing with a mere five points in five minutes.

Brunson's history with ankle injuries adds to the Knicks' concerns. He previously sat out two games in November with a similar injury and missed nearly a month last season after spraining his ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers. These recurring issues could impact the Knicks' playoff chances, as Brunson is a key player for the team.

The Knicks, currently at 25-15, face the Warriors (22-19) without their starting point guard. This matchup is critical for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. Brunson's absence could shift the game dynamics, potentially favoring the Warriors. His next opportunity to play is Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.