Main Knicks dealing with injuries before final preseason game

Knicks Coach Prepares for Final Preseason Game

Knicks head coach Mike Brown is looking to make the most out of Friday night’s last preseason matchup as a chance to set the stage for the regular season kick-off next week.

However, Thursday’s practice saw the absence of four key rotation players. Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) and OG Anunoby (ankle) were sidelined, along with Josh Hart (back issues) and Mitchell Robinson (load management).

This raises questions about their availability for the upcoming game against the Hornets, leaving Brown somewhat uncertain. “We aim to showcase a lineup close to our regular rotation as much as we can… but honestly, I’m not sure who’s going to play,” he remarked at the practice facility in Tarrytown.

The Knicks reported that Anunoby, who twisted his left ankle on Wednesday, has been in practice consistently, while Towns worked on some side exercises during Thursday’s session.

As for Robinson, the team is opting for caution since he played in only 35 games last season, frequently struggling with injuries.

Hart has been dealing with lower back spasms, a result of a fall during an exhibition game in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

“Josh is such a crucial piece of our plans, and missing time can definitely throw a wrench in things,” Brown said. He added that Hart’s intelligence and game sense will be beneficial, but it might take longer than anticipated for him to get back on track.

In other news, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, a strong advocate for Jalen Brunson and the Knicks, voiced some doubts about the team’s chances this season, predicting the championship would remain with a Western Conference team. “I like Brunson, but I see better teams in the West, like Denver and OKC,” he mentioned during a recent conference call.

Interestingly, while expressing admiration for the Knicks, Perkins still believes they should be favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference. He remarked, “I expect the Knicks to reach the NBA Finals, but I can’t promise they’ll win it all. I still lean towards a Western team for the championship.”