Knicks Welcome Towns Back for Showdown with Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The New York Knicks will see the return of star center Karl-Anthony Towns when they face off against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, February 28, at 8 p.m. ET at FedEx Forum. Towns, who missed the previous game against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a knee injury, is expected to strengthen the Knicks’ lineup in this crucial interconference clash.

Towns sustained his knee injury during the fourth quarter of a close game against the Boston Celtics on February 23, limping off the court before re-entering for the final minutes. His absence in Wednesday’s 110-105 victory over the 76ers was felt, as rookie Ariel Hukporti filled in but is now sidelined for the remainder of the season with a meniscus injury.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “We expect him to be a key player as we head into a tough stretch of games.” Towns has been averaging 24.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season, leading the team in several statistical categories.

Mitchell Robinson may also make his season debut against the Grizzlies after recovering from a left ankle injury. According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, Robinson has completed multiple scrimmages and is on track to return to the lineup. “Mitch is an elite pick-and-roll defender, an elite rim protector,” Thibodeau remarked. “We’ve missed that presence.”

The Grizzlies, with a similar record of 38-20, are coming off an explosive 151-148 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns, where point guard Ja Morant led the team with 29 points. Under head coach Taylor Jenkins, Memphis has transitioned into a high-scoring team, averaging over 14 three-pointers and 29.1 assists per game.

The matchup bears significant implications as both teams sit at third place in their respective conferences. The Knicks have won 11 of their last 16 games, but recent losses to the Celtics and 76ers have raised questions about their competitiveness against league powerhouses. The return of Towns and the potential re-integration of Robinson could provide the Knicks with crucial momentum.

Despite their defensive struggles—ranking near the bottom of the league with a 120.9 rating over the past 10 games—the Knicks are hopeful that Towns’ offensive prowess will offset any defensive vulnerabilities. The previous game between these two in January ended with a 143-106 victory for the Knicks in New York, but this matchup is expected to be more competitive.

As both teams prepare for this critical contest, they are closely monitoring player health. The Knicks have listed Towns and Robinson as day-to-day, while the Grizzlies are also assessing the status of Desmond Bane due to a groin issue. The battle will kick off Friday night under the bright lights of Memphis, promising an exciting showdown for NBA fans.