Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns Sidelined with Knee Injury Against Magic

NEW YORK (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns has been ruled out of Monday night’s game against the Orlando Magic due to patellar tendonopathy in his right knee, the New York Knicks announced. Towns, who left Saturday’s loss to the Chicago Bulls late in the fourth quarter, is averaging 25.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this season.

The Knicks, currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 24-12 record, will face the Magic without their star center. Jericho Sims is expected to start in Towns’ place. The Magic, sitting fourth in the East with a 21-16 record, are also dealing with significant injuries, including the absence of Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner.

Towns’ absence is a significant blow to the Knicks, who are in the midst of a two-game losing streak. In their most recent loss to the Bulls, Towns scored 44 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, showcasing his importance to the team. The Knicks have gone 8-2 in their last ten games but will need to adjust quickly without their leading rebounder.

The Magic, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a 4-6 stretch in their last ten games. Following Monday’s matchup, they will return home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.

The Knicks’ medical staff will continue to monitor Towns’ condition, but no timeline for his return has been provided. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in his absence.