New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek says unlikely Kristaps Porzingis plays Wednesday

Chip Murphy • 01/03/2017

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, New York Knicks‘ Kristaps Porzingis didn’t practice is unlikely to play Wednesday vs. the Bucks.

Kristaps Porzingis could only watch from the bench as the New York Knicks (16-18) were pummeled inside by the Orlando Magic Monday night.

He was out for his second straight game with a sore Achilles and without their best rim protector the Knicks allowed Magic point guard Elfrid Payton to run wild in the paint.

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It looks like the Knicks could be in for another rough night on defense because Ian Begley of ESPN New York is reporting Jeff Hornacek said it’s “unlikely” Porzingis will make a return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Kristaps Porzingis didn't practice today. Jeff Hornacek said it's unlikely that he plays Wednesday due to a sore Achillies.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 3, 2017

Although Porzingis obviously wants to play, Begley says that his head coach isn’t as optimistic after the 7-footer missed practice Tuesday.

Kristaps Porzingis wants to play tomorrow. He says he's hopeful to suit up vs Milwaukee but Jeff Hornacek wasn't as optimistic.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 3, 2017

Per Begley, Hornacek says Porzingis “might be doubtful” for Wednesday. It certainly doesn’t sound like he’s going to play.

No matter how much we might want to see him suit up against fellow unicorn Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s more prudent for the long-term that Porzingis nurse his injury.

New York hosts Milwaukee on Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET on MSG Network.

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