Knicks Reveal Karl Anthony-Towns' Playing Status vs Detroit Pistons

Will Karl Anthony Towns face the Detroit Pistons?

Dec 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

On Friday night, the New York Knicks Knicks initially anticipated having Karl Anthony-Towns on the court on Saturday night against the Detroit Pistons. However, on Saturday morning, Towns was downgraded on the injury report.

According to the injury report, the star center is dealing with right knee patellar tendinopathy. As a result, he was viewed as questionable for the matchup.

The Knicks are going to roll without Towns on Saturday night. Although Towns was considered a game-time decision, which is a sign his setback is temporary, he's going to get a night off,

Jalen Brunson is playing, Karl-Anthony Towns and Cam Payne are out, according to Knicks

— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) December 7, 2024

For the most part, Towns has been healthy and available for the Knicks throughout the year. Outside of the November 15 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, Towns hasn’t missed a game.

Since the start of the year, Towns has appeared in 21 games. He’s made 53 percent of his shots from the field and continues to show his value from beyond the arc as he knocked down 45 percent of his threes on five attempts per game.

Since joining the Knicks, Towns has produced 25 points and 10 rebounds per game.

Is Jalen Brunson Cleared?

According to the injury report, Jalen Brunson is dealing with a lower back contusion. Heading into Saturday night’s game, Brunson was viewed as questionable to play,

The star guard won't be taking the night off. According to The Athletic, Brunson has been cleared and is expected to face the Pistons on Saturday.

Knicks PG Jalen Brunson warming up with some fade-aways. He’s questionable for tonight’s game, Tom Thibodeau says, and will be a game time decision.#NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/0jfse3J9sE

— Ben Oppenheimer (@BenOpp92801) December 7, 2024

So far this season, Brunson has yet to miss a matchup for the Knicks. When the team opened up the month with a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Brunson checked in for just 26 minutes. As the Knicks put together a blowout victory over the Pelicans, Brunson didn’t have to turn in a full shift.

That would be the case for the Knicks’ next two games. Against the Orlando Magic on December 3, Brunson checked in for 26 minutes. Amid the 15-point victory, Brunson scored 21 points on 53 percent shooting.

New York’s last game against the Charlotte Hornets featured a 26-minute run from Brunson. The All-Star scorer put up 24 points in the 24-point victory.

When the Pistons and the Knicks battled it out earlier this year, Brunson was a key contributor in the blowout win. Brunson accounted for 36 points in 30 minutes of action.

The Knicks and the Pistons are set to tip off at 7:30 PM ET.