Maliq Brown Injury Update
Duke basketball fans can breathe a sigh of relief, Maliq Brown is available for tonight's highly anticipated season opener against Texas. The versatile forward, known for his defensive prowess, has been sidelined since late September following a minor procedure on his left knee. This isn't the same knee he tweaked against Notre Dame last season, which forced him to miss four games. Carolina Blitz, posting on X via @KeepBlitzin, shared that Duke announced that Maliq Brown will play tonight.
Coach Jon Scheyer has been cautiously optimistic throughout the recovery, emphasizing a "big picture" approach to ensure Brown's long-term health. After Duke's exhibition win over Tennessee on October 26, where Brown remained out, Scheyer noted, "This week is important.
Our goal is to be ready for Texas in that first game. But we’re also just keeping the big picture in mind." Brown sat out preseason tune-ups against UCF and Tennessee to prioritize full readiness, even though Scheyer mentioned he could've suited up earlier if needed.
The good news comes straight from a program release and insider Jon Rothstein, who confirmed: "Duke’s Maliq Brown (knee) will be available for tonight’s game against Texas. A nice boost for the Blue Devils." This marks a strong recovery timeline just over five weeks post-procedure. Duke Men’s Basketball, posting on X via @DukeMBB, announced that @MaliqBrown1 is active tonight against Texas.
Brown's value can't be overstated. Last season at Duke, despite injury limitations, he averaged 2.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 26 games off the bench, while snagging 1.3 steals per contest. At Syracuse the year prior, he was a steal machine at 2.2 per game with 0.9 blocks. His return bolsters Duke's already stacked frontcourt, especially with fellow big man Dame Sarr also active after his own oblique issue.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding Maliq Brown’s injury status and recovery timeline is based on official team announcements and credible media reports available as of November 2025. Player availability and medical updates are subject to change. Readers should follow Duke’s official channels for the latest confirmations.
