Jordan Clarkson isn't in Utah anymore. If you've been searching for the Flamethrower on the Jazz injury report, you're looking at the wrong coast. Clarkson is currently a key piece of the New York Knicks second unit, and honestly, his status for tonight is something every fantasy manager and Knicks fan is sweating.
The short answer? Yes, Jordan Clarkson is playing tonight. He is not listed on the official NBA injury report for the Knicks' upcoming matchup. This is huge news for New York, especially considering the backcourt depth has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately with Jalen Brunson dealing with a nagging ankle issue.
Why Clarkson’s Role Is Changing Fast
Clarkson has been a spark plug for Tom Thibodeau, even if the "Thibs" defensive-first mentality seems like a weird fit for a guy who lives to shoot. Lately, though, his minutes have been climbing.
Over the last 11 games, he's averaged about 10.1 points per game. That doesn't scream "Sixth Man of the Year" like his 2021 campaign, but he's been reliable. On January 15th against the Kings, he logged 23 minutes and put up 11 points. He’s basically the primary ball-handler when the starters sit.
With Miles McBride also dealing with a scare—remember that MRI rumor from last week?—Clarkson and Tyler Kolek are the ones keeping the bench unit from falling apart.
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Is Jordan Clarkson Playing Tonight? The Injury Breakdown
You won't find a "DNP-Old" or any "Rest" designations for Clarkson today. At 33 years old, he’s stayed remarkably durable this season. While he missed a massive chunk of the 2024-25 season due to a torn plantar fascia in his left foot, that seems to be ancient history now.
The Knicks need him. Badly.
If you look at the recent game logs, Clarkson had a season-high 25 points against the Cavaliers back in late December. Since then, he's been more of a 10-to-12 point guy. He’s shooting roughly 43.6% from the field, which is fine for a high-volume bench guard, but his 33% from deep is something Knicks fans are hoping will tick upward tonight.
The Matchup Dynamics
Tonight’s game is a big one. The Knicks have been trying to find a rhythm, and the bench scoring usually dictates whether they can pull away from mid-tier teams.
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- Projected Minutes: 18–24
- Recent Form: 11 points vs. Kings, 3 points vs. Blazers (yikes), 12 points vs. Suns.
- Key Stat: He’s shooting nearly 83% from the free-throw line, making him a safe bet in late-game situations if the Knicks are protecting a lead.
The coaching staff seems to trust him in high-pressure spots, even if he occasionally takes a "heat check" that makes the Madison Square Garden crowd hold its collective breath.
What This Means For Your Fantasy Team
If you’re wondering is Jordan Clarkson playing tonight because of a fantasy league, he's a "streamer" at best right now.
He provides points and a few triples, but the rebounds and assists just aren't there like they were in his prime Jazz days. He's averaging 1.8 boards and 1.4 assists this season. Basically, if he isn't scoring, he isn't helping you much. But with the Knicks' current rotations, the volume should be there.
Honestly, the "Kolek vs. Clarkson" battle for backup minutes is the real story to watch. Kolek is the better distributor, but Clarkson is the guy who can go on an 8-0 run by himself in two minutes.
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The Verdict on Tonight
Expect to see number 00 checking in around the 4-minute mark of the first quarter. He’s healthy, he’s in the rotation, and he’s one of the few veterans on this roster who isn't afraid of the big lights.
If you are tracking his performance for betting or just general fandom, keep an eye on his first three shots. If they go down, it's going to be a "Jordan Clarkson game." If he starts 0-for-4, Thibs usually has a very short leash.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final active roster list 30 minutes before tip-off to ensure no last-minute "illness" scratches.
- Monitor the Jalen Brunson news; if Brunson is limited, Clarkson’s usage rate will skyrocket.
- Look for Clarkson in the second quarter "all-bench" lineups where he serves as the primary option.