Karl-Anthony Towns Unavailable for Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns has officially been placed on the Knicks’ list of unavailable players.
He did not participate in Friday’s game against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden due to illness. Initially, he was tagged as questionable on the injury report.
Although he warmed up and was a potential in-game decision, it was evident he wasn’t fit enough to take the court.
Coach Mike Brown mentioned that Towns was struggling with stomach issues after the game.
Ariel Hukporti stepped in for him in the starting lineup.
In the game, Hukporti recorded 8 points and 16 rebounds, while Gershon Yabusele also made an impact with 8 points and 4 rebounds.
This absence means Towns is joined by Josh Hart (ankle), Landry Shamet (shoulder), and Mitchell Robinson (load management) on the sidelines.
Robinson’s situation is particularly noteworthy—this marks his third straight game out and the twelfth of the season due to a left ankle issue.
Following a loss to the Spurs, Brown indicated that Robinson should be available for one of the back-to-back games on Friday and Saturday, likely returning for the matchup with the 76ers at MSG unless something changes.
Brown acknowledged, “Mitch has been great for us. It would have been wonderful if he was available, but the next guy has to step up.” He praised Hukporti’s effort, who played 28 minutes and grabbed 17 rebounds, emphasizing the importance of solid rebounding in that center position.
As for Hart, there’s not much progress to report. After the Knicks returned from a three-game road trip, Brown mentioned that Hart has been participating in light on-court activities and will be reevaluated next Friday.
Robinson’s absence on Friday will be his fourth straight due to a sprained ankle.
In other news, Jalen Brunson was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December.
In 13 games during that span, Brunson averaged 30.6 points and 7.1 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 40.5% from beyond the arc.
