The New York Knicks are keeping Karl-Anthony Towns’ status for Tuesday’s season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers under wraps.
On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Towns was downgraded to doubtful due to a right quadriceps strain, adding there was “increased pessimism” about his availability. But within an hour, the Knicks reversed course and upgraded Towns to questionable on the official injury report.
The situation took another twist when Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported he was “hearing Karl-Anthony Towns will indeed play” in the opener, fueling optimism that the All-NBA big man could suit up despite the lingering injury concern.
The Knicks are already shorthanded, with Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart both ruled out, adding more uncertainty as they try to launch a new era under head coach Mike Brown.
Knicks Battling Injuries as Mike Brown Adjusts System
The injuries come at a difficult time for a franchise still adjusting to Brown’s up-tempo offensive system, which has yet to find its rhythm.
Towns, who joined the Knicks in the offseason, admitted Monday that he’s still figuring out his role in Brown’s scheme.
“Honestly, I don’t know — but we’re figuring it out,” Towns said. When pressed to elaborate, he added, “It’s just different. We’re still figuring it out.”
Those comments drew attention across the league, suggesting the Knicks’ offensive identity remains a work in progress.
After a promising preseason debut in Abu Dhabi — shooting 50% from the floor — Towns’ production dipped sharply. He shot 25% and 18% in his next two appearances and struggled mightily in the finale against his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, going 2-for-11 from the field.
Still, Brown has downplayed any early struggles.
“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 tougher — but he’s not.”
Robinson and Hart Also Out to Start the Season
The Knicks’ frontcourt depth is being tested early.
Robinson remains sidelined for “left ankle management,” per SNY’s Ian Begley, who reported that the 27-year-old hasn’t practiced this week. Robinson’s absence is part of a long-term health plan to keep him available deep into the season after multiple lower-body injuries limited him to just 48 games over the last two years.
“The Knicks don’t want him to play unless he’s 100 percent healthy,” Begley reported on X (formerly Twitter). “There’s no new injury, but the goal is long-term availability.”
Robinson returned late last season to help anchor the Knicks’ defense during their run to the Eastern Conference Finals, where he averaged 7.8 rebounds and 4.7 points over 18 playoff games.
Meanwhile, Hart continues to recover from a back injury sustained in the Knicks’ preseason opener in Abu Dhabi, when he landed awkwardly after diving for a loose ball.
Begley added that Hart has resumed light workouts and running but has yet to be cleared for full practice participation.
“Like with Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ medical team is taking a cautious approach,” Begley noted. “If his back continues to progress, they’ll gradually increase his workload.”
Knicks Hope for a Healthy Debut
Whether Towns plays or not, Tuesday’s opener will test the Knicks’ depth and adaptability under Brown’s new leadership.
After a breakout 2023-24 campaign that ended with their first Eastern Conference Finals berth in 25 years, expectations are sky-high in New York. But early injuries — especially to Towns, Robinson, and Hart — threaten to derail the team’s momentum before it even begins.
As the Knicks take the floor at Madison Square Garden, all eyes will be on the pregame lineup announcement — and whether Towns makes his highly anticipated season debut under Brown in blue and orange.
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