Towns Playing Despite Grade 2 Quadriceps Strain

Karl-Anthony Towns has been battling a right Grade 2 quadriceps strain this season and, although listed questionable for every game, has not missed one while producing roughly 20.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He has shown reduced explosiveness and faces a risk of further injury. Mitchell Robinson remains out as the Knicks continue cautious left-ankle management with no clear return date, and Miles McBride has missed time for personal reasons. Guerschon Yabusele was briefly removed from Sunday’s game with a left knee sprain but returned and logged regular minutes. If Towns or Robinson are unavailable, the Knicks could shift frontcourt minutes to Josh Hart, Ariel Hukporti or Trey Jemison; separately, the Pelicans’ Zion Williamson was newly listed questionable with a left-foot bone contusion.