Injuries sideline key players as the Knicks face the Spurs in an NBA Cup Final rematch.
The New York Knicks (23-9) head to San Antonio on New Year's Eve to face the Spurs (23-9) in a rematch of the NBA Cup Final from two weeks ago, but they will have to do it without several important players as injuries continue to pile up.
Updated Injury Report Shows Changes From Last Game
The Knicks released their injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup at Frost Bank Center with some changes from their last outing against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
Mitchell Robinson remains out for a second straight game as the team manages his left ankle injury, while Josh Hart will miss his third consecutive contest with a right ankle sprain suffered during the Christmas Day win over Cleveland.
Landry Shamet continues to be sidelined with a right shoulder sprain and is not yet ready to return despite resuming basketball activities.
The newest addition to the injury report is Ariel Hukporti, who is listed as questionable after taking an elbow from Zion Williamson during Monday's game and suffering a lip laceration.
Tyler Kolek is listed as probable with right ankle soreness but is expected to play through the discomfort.
Rematch of the NBA Cup Final
This game carries extra meaning as the teams meet for the first time since the Knicks defeated the Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup Championship on December 16.
OG Anunoby led the way with 28 points, while Jalen Brunson added 25 points and was named NBA Cup MVP, earning New York its first trophy since the 1973 NBA Championship.
Robinson was a major factor in that victory as he dominated the offensive glass with 10 offensive rebounds and 15 total boards.
His absence on Wednesday means New York will have to find another way to attack Victor Wembanyama in the paint, as the 7-foot-4 star is averaging 24.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season.
Knicks Rolling Despite Injuries
Even with mounting injury concerns, the Knicks have been playing their best basketball of the season with an 11-3 record in December.
They enter Wednesday riding a three-game winning streak.
Brunson has been sensational, averaging 29.4 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field.
Karl-Anthony Towns continues to anchor the frontcourt with 22.0 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, ranking second in the NBA in rebounding, and the duo will need to carry a heavier load with Hart and Robinson unavailable.
San Antonio Dealing With Their Own Issues
The Spurs have injury concerns of their own, with Stephon Castle listed as questionable due to a left thumb strain and Devin Vassell already ruled out.
San Antonio enters having lost two straight and will be looking for revenge after their NBA Cup Final defeat, but they face a Knicks team that has proven they can win when shorthanded.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at Frost Bank Center.