The New York Knicks are set to visit Minneapolis on Tuesday night, but fans may be disappointed due to a challenging injury report that has emerged ahead of the game. Despite the excitement surrounding the return of Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks will be missing key players, including Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Guerschon Yabusele. Brunson, who recently scored 47 points in a victory against Miami, is sidelined for “right ankle injury management,” while Anunoby is dealing with a sore left ankle, and Yabusele is ill.
With injuries also sidelining Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, the Knicks will be without two of their four top performers in Brunson and Anunoby. This situation is likely to shift the focus of the evening’s game onto Towns, who will be making his second appearance at Target Center as a visitor since his high-profile trade to New York last year.
Towns had an impressive performance in his previous return, where he dominated the Wolves with 32 points and 20 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Knicks’ 133-107 rout of Minnesota. This sets a high expectation for his performance on Tuesday.
The Knicks have a demanding schedule, playing their fourth game in just six days, with another game looming on Christmas Day. This grueling stretch has likely played a role in the decision to manage player workloads. Sports reporter Darren Wolfson expressed disappointment on social media, noting that many Knicks fans had purchased tickets in anticipation of seeing Brunson’s only appearance in Minneapolis this season.
As the Knicks adjust their lineup in light of these injuries, players like Tyler Kolek, Jordan Clarkson, and Mitchell Robinson are expected to step up alongside Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. On the Timberwolves’ side, the health of Jaden McDaniels remains uncertain as he is listed as questionable with a left oblique contusion, although the fact that he hasn’t been ruled out entirely is a positive indication.
Both teams are currently on a winning streak, with New York boasting an impressive 11-2 record in its last 13 games and Minnesota winning nine of its last 11. This matchup promises to showcase intense competition, despite the Knicks’ injuries, offering fans an engaging game night in Minneapolis.