Knicks Face Frontcourt Challenges After Ariel Hukporti's Knee Injury
Rookie center Ariel Hukporti is sidelined for 4-6 weeks, while Mitchell Robinson nears his season debut and Karl-Anthony Towns manages recurring knee issues.
- Knicks rookie Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during his first NBA start against the 76ers and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
- Hukporti, a second-round pick in 2024, has averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in limited minutes across 25 appearances this season.
- Karl-Anthony Towns, dealing with recurring knee soreness, was ruled out of the same game, leaving the Knicks' frontcourt thin for the matchup.
- Mitchell Robinson, recovering from ankle surgery, is reportedly close to making his season debut and could return as early as this weekend.
- The Knicks, currently third in the Eastern Conference with a 38-20 record, are preparing for a playoff push but have struggled against top-tier teams this season.