Does Karl-Anthony Towns play against the Timberwolves? Latest injury update

The New York The Knicks host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Star center Karl Anthony-Towns (thumb) is listed as suspicious on the injury report. The four-time All-Star missed the Knicks’ 125-119 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, leaving Jaylen Brunson (38 points) with the top scorer. Here’s everything we know about Towns’ injury and playing status against the Timberwolves.

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Karl Anthony-Towns injury status against Timberwolves

With Towns questionable, he will likely be a game-time decision. The former NBA Rookie of the Year accidentally slammed his hand into the backboard during the first half of New York’s 124-119 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday, dislocating his right thumb. It’s not offer many details about it after the game, telling the media “It is what it is,” via Steve Popper of Newsday Sports.

The Knicks (27-15) are lucky the injury isn’t serious, as Towns is a big fish in their lineup. The 29-year-old is averaging 25.4 points, 13.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one steal in 34.7 minutes per game. His average is second only to Brunson (26 PPG) on the team, and he leads in rebounds. He is also second only to Josh Hart among regular rotation players in field goal percentage. Hart is shooting 56.6% from the floor, while Towns is shooting 55%.

Meanwhile, Towns leads New York with a 44.9% mark from deep despite ranking fourth with 4.9 attempts per game. The next closest player is Cameron Payne with a clip of 40.9%.

With all that said, it will be easier for the Knicks to beat Minnesota (21-19) if Towns is available. While the Timberwolves rank just 22nd in the NBA with 109.8 points per game, handling Anthony Edwards (25.9 PPG) is always a headache. The Georgia alum can break out with 40 points every night, so dealing with him in the short term is a strain on the available players.

Joshua Valdez began his journalism career as sports editor for the Rutgers University newspaper before becoming an associate editor for ClutchPoints, covering MLB, NFL, NBA and football. He is also a beat reporter for the Washington Wizards and Mystics.