Jalen Brunson couldn’t escape the injury report for Saturday’s home game against the Pistons.

Brunson, who did not play for the final 14-plus minutes of Thursday’s win over the Hornets after falling hard to the ground in a third-quarter collision, is listed as questionable because of a lower back bruise.

Tom Thibodeau said after Thursday’s game that the All-Star point guard “could have gone back in” after returning to the bench midway through the fourth quarter.

But there was no reason to bring Brunson back into the game as the Knicks were ahead by more than 20 points.

Brunson, who has started all 22 games this season, said after the game that he felt “amazing” but would wait to see how he felt Friday.

Brunson was also listed as questionable for the Knicks’ game against the Bulls on November 13, but he played and scored 24 points with eight assists in 34 minutes.

After Precious Achiuwa’s return against the Hornets, backup center Jericho Sims played just three minutes – all in the first half – with no points.

Sims appeared in all 22 games this season with one start and averaged 1.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 13.2 minutes per appearance.

When asked if Sims will now be a situational player after Achiuwa’s return, Thibodeau replied: “No, I didn’t like the energy of the group, so we were just looking for something that could take us forward.” He has to make sure that things get done out there.”

Cam Payne was listed as questionable after missing Thursday’s game due to an effusion in his left elbow. This is a condition in which the elbow joint swells due to a buildup of fluid.

“We’ll see where he is (Friday),” Thibodeau said Thursday night. “Deuce (McBride) was great, but I like being on the bench with Deuce and Cam. This gives us a great spark and enormous energy. I think what Precious will add to this group (second unit) will be even more speed and athleticism.”