PHILADELPHIA — Tests on Karl-Anthony Towns’ thumb revealed more than a sprain. 

The Knicks center, who officially was ruled out of Wednesday’s 125-119 overtime win over the 76ers before the tip, also has a bone chip in his thumb, as The Post first reported. 

The good news is Towns, who injured the thumb in Monday’s loss to the Pistons, is planning to play through the chip and is considered day-to-day.

He’s expected to return once swelling from the thumb sprain — which was the other diagnosis — dies down. 

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns grimaces while holding his injured thumb on Jan. 13, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Surgery isn’t necessary or anticipated, either during or after the season. 

“We’ll see where he is [on Thursday],” coach Tom Thibodeau said. 

Towns was on the Knicks bench on Wednesday with a hard cover over his thumb.

He was in good spirits after the game, smiling and joking outside of the visiting locker room. 

Jericho Sims started in his place but only logged 23 minutes as Precious Achiuwa did the heavy lifting at center down the stretch.

Achiuwa, who finished with 10 points, six rebounds and three rejections, was a two-way force in the biggest moments. 

Thibodeau has resisted starting Achiuwa, who is undersized for a center at about 6-foot-8. But he was very comfortable closing with him in Philly. 

“[Achiuwa’s] blocks were huge. Huge,” Thibodeau said. “He gives you a little more switchability, and his reaction to the ball was big time.” 

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns holds his injured thumb on Jan. 13, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Sims, who, as The Post reported, is being shopped by the Knicks ahead of next month’s deadline, produced eight points with seven boards after being listed as questionable with lower back spasms. 

Rookie Ariel Hukporti, the last center on the bench, was a healthy DNP. Josh Hart, the starting power forward, picked up the rebounding slack with 17 rebounds. 

“I just know there’s no one to steal my rebounds,” joked Hart about KAT’s absence. “But nah, obviously he’s averaging like 13 rebounds, something like that, so you know you’ve got to hit the glass a little bit harder. That’s the only thing that goes through my mind.” 

The Knicks (27-15) have benefitted from good health this season, for the most part, but front-court depth is an ongoing concern. Towns has missed time with knee and thumb ailments.

They’re also without former starting center Mitchell Robinson, who hasn’t played yet this season but, according to Thibodeau, is on pace to practice again this month. 

With Achiuwa shining in the fourth quarter and OT, the Knicks had enough to overcome the shorthanded Sixers, who were without their top two centers — Joel Embiid (sprained left foot) and Andre Drummond (toe). 

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Towns appeared to injure his hand Monday night when he banged it on the backboard on a first-half drive. He continued playing and finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds in 43 minutes.

The 7-footer is averaging 25.3 points and 13.9 rebounds per game — second-most in the NBA — in 38 appearances. He’s a favorite to occupy a starting spot in the All-Star Game. 

Landry Shamet (left) and Karl-Anthony Towns look on from the bench during the Knicks’ OT win over the 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images

“It’s the NBA, no one at this time of year, no one is 100 percent,” said Thibodeau, whose entire starting five was in the NBA’s top 10 in total minutes played earlier this week. “I appreciate our guys. I know they’re playing with soreness, they’re playing with minor injuries, and that’s what I love about them, all of them. From KAT to Jalen [Brunson] to OG [Anunoby] to Mikal [Bridges] to Josh, they come in every day and put a lot into it. I’ve got great respect for them.”