New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns is set to make a striking comeback on Sunday afternoon, sporting protective goggles reminiscent of former Knicks star Amar’e Stoudemire, as he battles through a painful eye injury. Reports from Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reveal that Towns, who endured a significant laceration to his right eye during a previous game, received 16 stitches and will don similar eyewear to what Stoudemire famously wore during his tenure with the team from 2010 to 2015.
Towns is expected to start against the Boston Celtics after missing one game due to his injury. The mishap occurred during the Knicks’ thrilling 134–127 double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets, where he collided head-to-head with Nuggets forward Spencer Jones while driving to the basket. Despite the severity of the wound, which left blood streaming down his face, Towns managed to stay on the court long enough to make both free throws before retreating to the locker room for treatment. He later returned with a bandage above his eye, finishing the game with an impressive 24 points and 12 rebounds.
His absence was felt in the team’s recent 118–80 loss to the Detroit Pistons, but with his clearance to return and wear goggles for the first time in his NBA career, Towns’ presence is anticipated to provide a much-needed spark to the team’s performance as they compete in a tightly contested Eastern Conference.
In addition to Towns’ return, the Knicks will have to adjust their lineup as OG Anunoby sits out due to right toe soreness. Landry Shamet is expected to step into the starting role in Anunoby’s place. Anunoby has been a key player for the Knicks, logging significant minutes in the double-overtime win over Denver, showcasing the physical demands on the team’s starters.
Moreover, Sunday’s game marks the anticipated debut of Jose Alvarado, acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans in a recent trade. Alvarado, a Brooklyn native and former standout at Christ the King High School, is expected to boost the team’s backcourt depth as he brings his high-energy and defensive prowess to New York.
On a different note, Knicks guard Miles McBride underwent successful surgery for a core muscle injury and is projected to be sidelined until the playoffs, adding to the challenges the franchise faces as they deal with injuries and bring in new talent.
As the Knicks navigate these changes, Towns’ return—along with his protective goggles—signals a hopeful moment for the team, as they strive for a strong position as the playoffs approach.