The New York Knicks have a key matchup against the Atlanta Hawks on the slate for Christmas Day, and the team just got a big boost ahead of the holiday showdown. The Knicks' PR team announced that young guard Immanuel Quickley is set to be cleared from the NBA's health and safety protocols and rejoin the team ahead of the Christmas clash.

Quickley has been sidelined for the past three games after being placed in the league's COVID-19 protocols on Dec. 18. The second-year talent has featured in 29 games for the Knicks this season, averaging 10.2 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds while shooting at a 39% clip across 21.8 minutes per game.

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While Quickley has been cleared to return and rejoin the team, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports that he may not be ready to play on Saturday, however, having only been given a limited amount of time to work out since rejoining his teammates.

In his three-game absence, the Knicks went 1-2, including losses against Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards. With Trae Young not expected to play on Christmas Day, the 14-18 Knicks could make up some crucial ground in the East with a win on Saturday. Having Quickley back in the rotation would be a huge boost towards achieving that goal, though it's seeming unlikely he plays, or sees a big role if he does.

Assuming Quickley can't suit up on Saturday, Knicks fans should expect to see a whole lot of Kemba Walker on Christmas, as the veteran is coming off a 44-point outing in the loss to the Wizards on Thursday.

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