New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina is out for Friday’s preseason game against the Wizards with a knee injury.
The preseason opener for the New York Knicks was about much more than the 115-107 loss. It was about the beginning of the Kristaps Porzingis era and the debut of rookie point guard Frank Ntilikina.Unfortunately, Knicks fans won’t get to see Ntilikina on Friday night. According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Ntilikina will miss the second preseason game vs. Washington due to a knee injury.
Update: Ntilikina is out for tomorrow's game but Hornacek says ailment is unrelated to the knee injury that kept him out of Summer League.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 5, 2017
Apparently, the injury happened during the Brooklyn game when Frank bumped into teammate Enes Kanter. Per Begley, the injury is minor and Ntilikina expects to play in Sunday’s game against the Nets in Brooklyn.
Porzingis only played 22 minutes (it was the preseason) and managed just 15 points against Brooklyn. Tim Hardaway Jr. was the leading scorer with 17 points on five made three-pointers.
It was Ntilikina who starred. Despite shooting just 1-of-7 from the field, the rookie’s debut was notable for his passing and defense.
Frank only has one game under his belt against NBA competition so New York likely wants to get him out there, but the right move is to rest their rookie. Especially in a preseason game.
Begley also states that Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Ron Baker, and Luke Kornet are doubtful for Friday’s game. None of the three played in against Brooklyn.