The New York Knicks are set to open their season on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the biggest question heading into tip-off is whether Karl-Anthony Towns will suit up. What first looked like a major setback might just turn into a show of toughness from the Knicks’ centerpiece.
Early reports listed Towns as “doubtful” due to a groin injury, sparking concern that he could miss the team’s first game of the year. But that status didn’t last long.
Towns determined to play through pain
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Towns is doing everything possible to get on the floor. The Knicks have since upgraded him to “questionable,” suggesting there’s growing optimism he might power through the injury.
It’s not the start anyone wanted for the newly revamped Knicks, especially with head coach Mike Brown trying to install a system built on pace, movement, and chemistry. But if there’s one thing Towns has proven throughout his career, it’s that he’s willing to grind through adversity.
A groin injury can be tricky — one wrong movement and it can linger for weeks. Still, Towns seems intent on testing it out, a sign that he wants to set the tone for a team entering a new era under Brown’s leadership.
How the Knicks might adjust without Towns
If Towns can’t go, the Knicks’ starting five is expected to look a bit different. Jalen Brunson would run the point, joined by OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges on the wings. Ariel Hukporti, the promising second-year big man, would likely get the nod at center, while Miles McBride slides into the lineup for added defensive intensity.
That group has energy and versatility, but it’s hard to replicate what Towns brings offensively. His ability to stretch the floor, create mismatches, and punish smaller defenders gives the Knicks a dimension few teams can match. Without him, the offense will rely heavily on Brunson’s playmaking and Bridges’ shot creation.
A test of early-season resilience
It’s only Game 1, but this situation already feels like a microcosm of what the Knicks will need to navigate this season — resilience, flexibility, and a bit of faith in their depth.
Whether Towns suits up or not, the message is clear: he’s ready to lead through action, not words. For a team looking to establish a new identity, that mindset might matter just as much as the box score on opening night.