The New York Knicks are preparing to face off against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, but they had already ruled out RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin from the contest due to COVID-19 health protocols. After coming in contact with a positive case against Toronto, the Knicks were forced to play against the Milwaukee Bucks shorthanded, but rookie guard Quentin Grimes stepped up and had a career night.
Grimes posted 27 points on 53.8%, shooting from three-point range and 53% shooting from the field. He hit seven 3-PT shots, a rookie record for New York.
However, Grimes was ruled out early on Tuesday against Golden State, representing another player to be stifled by Covid.
The players are required to have two negative tests within a 24-hour span to return before the 10 day maximum, meaning the earliest Grimes can make a return is on Christmas Day, given he tests negative twice by Wednesday morning.
After his breakout performance, head coach Tom Thibodeau was likely looking to utilize Grimes in a more prominent role, especially with Barrett and Toppin still out. Unfortunately, that will have to wait. The Knicks have a tough stretch of games coming up against Golden State, Houston, and the Boston Celtics.