Karl-Anthony

Towns

The good news for fantasy managers is that Towns didn’t miss a shot from the field. However, he attempted only five shots and matched that with five turnovers. Give Cleveland credit for its work on the defensive end, but this was a disappointing effort from KAT. While Towns has probably been too much of a lightning rod this season, there are still nights when he puts forth maddening performances like the one he produced in Cleveland. He and the Knicks will look to bounce back on Friday in Milwaukee.

For the second straight night, Towns picked up the slack offensively when some of his Knicks teammates could not get going offensively. Having scored at least 21 points in five straight, KAT’s 28 on Sunday were the most in a game for him since he dropped 37 on the Hawks on December 27. The Knicks play three games in Week 18, starting with a critical matchup with the new-look Cavaliers on Tuesday.

On a night when Jalen Brunson didn’t get going offensively until the fourth quarter, Towns shot 7-of-10 from the field in the first three quarters. KAT was more engaged from the start than he was in Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, a welcome step forward for the 7-footer. Sunday’s matchup with the Bulls should be a good one for Towns and those who have him rostered, but only if he’s aggressive from the start.

Towns put up another double-double on Thursday, but he was unable to grab control of the paint in a game that the Pistons played without Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart due to suspension. KAT attempted only three shots in the first half, and while he was more involved offensively in the second half, the lackluster defense proved problematic. Towns and the Knicks will look to bounce back in games against the Rockets (Saturday) and Bulls (Sunday) to end Week 17.

While Towns finished Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Pacers with a double-double, he was far more assertive on Wednesday. The Knicks’ improved ball movement may have been a factor, but the 7-footer deserves credit for the approach he took on both ends of the floor. That set the tone in what would be a 138-89 win, an excellent way for the Knicks to go into the All-Star break. Next up for Towns is an appearance in Sunday’s All-Star Game, where he’ll represent Team World.

Limited to 11 points in Sunday’s win over the Celtics, Towns doubled that tally on Tuesday while recording his 36th double-double of the season. Unfortunately for the Knicks, he wasn’t around for the latter stages of overtime, having fouled out with 2:14 remaining in the extra session. Indiana scored the first nine points of overtime, pushing their road record on the season to 4-22. Wednesday’s game against the Knicks is far more important to Towns and the Knicks, who need a win to avoid losing the season series. And they’ll need KAT to stay on the floor, especially if Joel Embiid plays.

Towns is back in the Knicks’ starting lineup after a one-game absence, pushing Mitchell Robinson to the bench. The other change to the lineup is Shamet, who replaces Mohamed Diawara. This is the second consecutive game that the Knicks will be without OG Anunoby (toe).

Towns did not play in Friday’s loss to the Pistons, having suffered a laceration above his right eye during Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets. His return could push Mitchell Robinson to the bench. However, with Boston having started Luka Garza and Neemias Queta the last two games, the Knicks could choose to go big. In that case, Mohamed Diawara would head to the bench.

Towns missed just his fourth game all season, sitting with an eye injury as the Knicks lost by 38 points in Detroit on Friday. The 30-year-old center is still questionable going into Sunday’s game against the Celtics. Mitchell Robinson would start while Ariel Hukporti handles the backup center minutes if Towns is ruled out again.

If the Knicks want to extend their win streak to nine games, it’ll have to be done without Towns. The All-Star center will be sidelined on Friday, leaving Mitchell Robinson as the likely candidate to fill in for Towns in the starting lineup. Robinson doesn’t offer the same upside but could be on double-double watch.