Certain teams have so much quality depth that they can weather the absence due to injuries of two starters. The New York Knicks are not one of those teams. The Knicks played and lost to Orlando Sunday without their top two scorers, forward Kristaps Porzingis and wing Tim Hardaway Jr.
New York managed to claw out of an early 17-point hole but ran out of energy and options during the Magic’s 10-0 spurt in the fourth quarter. That’s what it faces again in Indiana Monday (7 ET, NBA League Pass), given the 43 points per game Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. represent. ESPN.com’s Ian Begley provides a status report on the limping Knicks:
Porzingis didn’t travel with the team to Indiana after missing Sunday’s loss to the Orlando Magic due to a right ankle sprain and an illness. He tested the ankle injury before the game, and the Knicks determined that he wasn’t healthy enough to play.
Hardaway also didn’t travel with the Knicks to Indianapolis due to a stress injury in his left shin. He was an unexpected scratch before tipoff due to the injury.
Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said the team’s medical staff tested Hardaway’s injury due to lingering soreness and added that the staff will continue to monitor it.
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Porzingis was hurt Wednesday when he and Justise Winslow were pursuing a loose ball on the baseline and Winslow stepped on Porzingis’ right foot. Porzingis’ foot turned during the first-quarter sequence, and he appeared to roll his ankle.
He stayed on the floor for several minutes before walking to the locker room while being supported by a teammate and a team staffer.
Porzingis seemingly suffered no structural damage, based on the X-ray and MRI exam he underwent. Hardaway Jr.’s injury is said to be unrelated to the plantar fasciitis he endured previously this season. But whether either or both will be available for New York’s game Wednesday against Memphis remains to be seen.
