The New York Knicks could be missing Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah, and Lance Thomas on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The New York Knicks may be without one of their most consistent performers in Friday’s rematch with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Courtney Lee, Joakim Noah and Lance Thomas will each be listed as questionable for Minnie rematch Friday.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) December 1, 2016
Starting shooting guard, Courtney Lee injured his ankle during the first half of Wednesday night’s game and didn’t return. The Knicks escaped with a victory regardless, but they won’t survive without Lee long-term.
Per Basketball-Reference, the Knicks are nearly 6 points per 100 possessions worse when Lee is off the floor. That’s the most significant impact of any rotation player on the team.
The 31-year-old sharpshooter has started all 18 games and averages 9.5 points on 44.4 percent from three-point range. After a slow start, Lee has picked it up and been exactly what New York hoped.
He can insert energy into the team with his offense or his defense, score in transition, and consistently make threes.
Joakim Noah missed his third game of the season Wednesday in the first reunion game with his former head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks are now 3-0 in their starting center’s absence, but he’ll likely be desperate to play against his former coach.
Per The New York Post, Noah spoke fondly of his former coach and his time in Chicago.
“It was definitely a relationship,’’ Noah said. “Thibs is great. I’m really happy for him. He cares about winning. Our run in Chicago, I’ll never forget. Some of the best times in my life. I got a lot of love for Thibs.
“A lot of great memories more than disappointment,’’ Noah added. “We came close to winning a championship. It didn’t happen. They were great times overall.’’
Lance Thomas hasn’t seen action since November 12, against Toronto.
He was struggling when he went down and the play of Justin Holiday and Mindaugas Kuzminskas could push Thomas out of the rotation.
