The New York Knicks just can’t seem to catch a break.
Already reeling from the absences of Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart, the Knicks received more bad news Monday when Karl-Anthony Towns was listed as questionable for their season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers with a strained right quadriceps.
The setback comes at a time when the franchise is still adjusting to new head coach Mike Brown’s system — and the early chemistry issues are beginning to show.
Towns Admits He’s Still Adjusting to Knicks’ New Offense
Towns raised eyebrows after offering a candid response when asked about his role in Brown’s revamped offense.
“Honestly, I don’t know — but we’re figuring it out,” Towns told reporters Monday.
Pressed to elaborate, the All-NBA big man added only: “It’s just different. We’re still figuring it out.”
Towns’ struggles were evident during the preseason. After a strong start — shooting 50% from the floor in the Knicks’ opener in Abu Dhabi — his efficiency dipped drastically. He shot just 25% and 18% in his next two outings and went 2-for-11 in his final preseason appearance against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Last season under Tom Thibodeau, Towns was dominant, earning his third All-NBA selection by averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field and 42% from deep.
Despite the rocky start under Brown, the new coach downplayed any concerns about Towns’ adjustment.
“It’s pretty easy because he’s open and willing to do everything,” Brown said, per Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. “If he was stubborn, it’d be a little tougher — but he’s not.”
Mitchell Robinson Still Sidelined With Ankle Issue
The Knicks’ depth took another hit when Robinson was ruled out due to left ankle management.
Robinson has not practiced this week, according to SNY’s Ian Begley, raising questions about his availability for the foreseeable future. The 27-year-old has missed significant time over the past two seasons, appearing in just 48 games combined because of multiple lower-body injuries, including foot surgery.
He returned late last season to anchor New York’s defense during its postseason run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where he averaged 7.8 rebounds and 4.7 points in 18 playoff games.
Begley reported that Robinson’s absence is part of a broader load-management plan designed to keep him healthy deep into the season.
“The Knicks don’t want him to play unless he’s 100 percent healthy,” Begley reported on X. “There’s no new injury, but the goal is long-term availability. It will be a challenge for Mike Brown not to have him on some nights, but the priority is keeping him fresh for the playoffs.”
Josh Hart Still Recovering From Back Spasms
Meanwhile, versatile Hart continues to recover from a back injury suffered in the Knicks’ first preseason game in Abu Dhabi, when he crashed hard to the floor diving for a loose ball.
Begley added that Hart has resumed light running and individual workouts but has yet to return to full practice.
“Like with Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ medical team is taking a cautious approach with Hart,” Begley noted. “If his back continues to progress, the team will gradually increase his workload. For now, the Knicks will be down two rotation players to start the season.”
Knicks Could Be Undermanned vs. Cavaliers
If Towns also sits out Wednesday’s opener, the Knicks will enter the season short-handed against the Cavaliers, one of their chief rivals for Eastern Conference contention.
Brown may have to turn to Ariel Hukporti or Guerschon Yabusele in the frontcourt, while Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson are expected to take on larger roles off the bench.
It’s a challenging start for a Knicks team trying to find its rhythm under a new coach — and the injuries couldn’t have come at a worse time.
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