The New York Knicks may be without their newly acquired star big man Karl-Anthony Towns as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. Towns, who the Knicks traded for just after training camps opened this season, is listed as questionable with a sprained right thumb suffered in Monday’s loss to the Detroit Pistons.
This was set to be Towns’ first chance to face off against his former Timberwolves teammates on his new home court in the Big Apple. The 27-year-old center spent his first eight NBA seasons in Minnesota after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2015 draft. He quickly established himself as the face of the franchise, earning Rookie of the Year honors and making three All-Star appearances during his tenure.
Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up Knicks, Wolves
But this past offseason, the Timberwolves decided to move in a new direction, shipping Towns to New York in a blockbuster deal that sent power forward Julius Randle and guard Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota. It was a stunning move that reshaped the trajectories of both franchises.
For the Knicks, adding a talent like Towns alongside rising star RJ Barrett and free agent addition Jalen Brunson has vaulted them into the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Towns’ unique blend of interior scoring, rebounding, and outside shooting has made the Knicks a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, have reaped the benefits of adding the hard-nosed, do-it-all game of Randle to their young core. His leadership and veteran presence has helped promising guards Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell take their games to the next level. And DiVincenzo has thrived with an expanded role in Minnesota, recently moving into the starting lineup.
Injury Bug Bites Both Sides
But as the Knicks and Wolves prepare to face off for the second time this season, both will likely be missing a key piece. Along with Towns’ questionable status, Minnesota has ruled out DiVincenzo due to a sprained left big toe.
DiVincenzo suffered the injury in the Wolves’ heartbreaking 116-115 loss to the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, a game in which he scored a season-high 28 points. The 26-year-old guard has been excellent for Minnesota, providing gritty defense, outside shooting, and contagious energy.
His absence, along with Towns’ uncertain availability, strips some of the juice from this highly anticipated rematch. The Knicks won the first meeting in Minnesota last month behind a monster game from Towns, who put up 35 points and 18 rebounds against his former team.
“It’s always special going against your former team, the guys you went to battle with for so many years. But at the end of the day, it’s about getting the win for the Knicks.”
– Karl-Anthony Towns after beating the Timberwolves in December
Next Men Up Must Step Up
With Towns potentially sidelined, the Knicks will lean more heavily on the energetic play of backup center Mitchell Robinson. The springy big man has had some big games this year, using his length and athleticism to control the boards and protect the rim. His development has been a bright spot for New York.
Minnesota will likely plug defensive-minded wing Jaden McDaniels into the starting lineup for DiVincenzo and give more minutes to sniper Malik Beasley off the bench. The Wolves will need McDaniels to use his length and quickness to try to slow down the explosive Barrett, while Beasley’s quick release from deep can stretch the Knicks’ defense.
The Verdict
If Towns is able to suit up, the Knicks will have the inside track to securing the season series against the new-look Wolves. His ability to score inside and out is such a matchup problem for Minnesota. But if he can’t go, the Knicks become much more vulnerable against a proud Wolves team eager to show they’re no worse for the blockbuster trade.
No matter who’s in or out of the lineup, expect a high-intensity clash as these teams jockey for playoff positioning in their respective conferences. The bright lights of the Mecca will only amplify the moment. We’ll see who shines brightest under the Madison Square Garden marquee on Friday night.
