Karl-Anthony Towns has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but he played 72 games last season and hasn’t missed a single one this year. He’s been impressive for the New York Knicks, leading the team in rebounds and ranking second in scoring.
New York has won all but one of its home games, and that was against the Orlando Magic. With the Magic returning to Madison Square Garden on Sunday, it’s a prime opportunity for redemption. However, Towns appeared on the Knicks’ latest injury report, raising questions about his availability.
Will Karl-Anthony Towns Play Against the Magic?
Towns was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with left calf tightness. While no reports suggest a serious issue, ClutchPoints’ Kris Pursiainen noted that Towns worked with trainers on the calf during the third quarter of Friday’s game, an indication that something may have been bothering him earlier than the team acknowledged.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown said he was unaware of any calf issue at the time, which only added more uncertainty surrounding Towns’ status.
“Mike Brown was asked after last night’s game about Karl-Anthony Towns working with trainers on his calf in 3Q. It was news to him & team PR: both said they had not heard anything like that. Towns has now been listed as QUESTIONABLE tomorrow against the Magic with a calf injury,” Pursiainen wrote.
Towns has been a pivotal face for the Knicks this season, averaging 22.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field and 35.3% from three. His 11.9 rebounds per game rank second in the entire NBA.
The 30-year-old delivered a strong outing in Friday’s 146–112 win over the Utah Jazz, posting 18 points (5-of-11 FG, 4-of-6 from deep), nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal in just 22 minutes. Jalen Brunson led the way for New York with 33 points and four assists (9-of-17 FG, 6-of-9 from three).
New York sits at No. 2 in the Eastern Conference at 15–7, three games behind the Detroit Pistons and narrowly ahead of the Raptors, Magic, Celtics, and Heat. It’s a comfortable enough position that the Knicks shouldn’t feel pressured to rush Towns back, especially given his medical history.
Towns tore his left meniscus in March 2024, sprained his thumb in January, and pushed through a Grade 2 quad strain in October, per ESPN. Considering the long-term stakes, New York may prefer to test its depth unless Towns is completely healthy.
Tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.