Jose Alvarado Ruled Out Wednesday With Ankle Injury

Jose Alvarado is officially out for Wednesday's game with an ankle injury, meaning the New York Knicks are down their premier backcourt agitator.

Underdog NBA reported the downgrade, confirming the point guard will be in street clothes. Alvarado has made a living out of being the most annoying guy on the floor, and now New York has to replace those highly specific minutes.

"Underdog NBA reported: 'Jose Alvarado (ankle) listed out Wednesday.'"

Ankle injuries are brutal for anyone, but they are especially devastating for a guy whose entire brand is built on sudden movements and playing defense like a guy trying to steal your wallet on the subway. You cannot pull off signature backcourt steals if you are dragging a bad wheel.

For the fantasy managers and prop bettors out there, this absence shifts the math for the rest of the Knicks rotation. Someone else in the backcourt is going to have to absorb the extra run and defensive assignments.

We will have to see how New York adjusts the lineup on Wednesday night. Until Alvarado gets clearance to return, the Knicks might have to actually let opposing point guards bring the ball up the floor in peace.