Although New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns’ thumb injury is worse than initially thought, he is not expected to miss much time.
Towns suffered a sprained thumb in the team’s loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday. According ESPN’s Tim BontempsTowns also suffered a bone chip in his right thumb. He was ruled out for the Knicks’ 125-119 overtime victory against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday as they need swelling to go down. He is expected to play even after the injury, according to the report.
Towns injured his thumb in the first half Monday when he slammed his hand on the backboard while attempting a dunk. While he remained in the game, Towns was agitated the rest of the way.
Towns finished that game with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and later said that “it is what it is” regarding his thumb injury. It’s unclear how long Towns will be sidelined. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said Wednesday before the game in Philadelphia that they would “see where he is” on Thursday. The Knicks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
Towns, who was traded to the Knicks by the Minnesota Timberwolves last offseason, has averaged 25.4 points and a league-best 13.9 rebounds per game this season. He has shot 55% from the field.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points and five rebounds in Wednesday’s victory, which moved New York to 27-15 on the season. Mikal Bridges added 23 points and OG Anunoby finished with 17.
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 33 points, six rebounds and six assists. He scored a game-tying goal on a goalie call with just seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime.
The Knicks advanced in overtime to take the victory without much trouble. Paul George added 26 points for Philadelphia, which fell to 15-24 with the loss, and Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
If Towns can’t play against his former team on Friday, he will have another chance to return from injury on Monday when the Knicks host the Atlanta Hawks.