Knicks’ Obi Toppin upgraded to questionable, moves closer to return

Obi Toppin, Knicks
Oct 7, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) leaps past Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) for a dunk in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks backup power forward Obi Toppin is progressing to return from a non-displaced right fibula head fracture.

The Knicks have upgraded Toppin’s status from doubtful to questionable ahead of Wednesday’s home game against the San Antonio Spurs. 

Toppin has missed the Knicks’ last 13 games after sustaining the injury against the Atlanta Hawks last Dec. 7.

The Knicks are 8-5 since Toppin sustained the injury.

The former lottery pick is averaging 7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds as Julius Randle’s chief backup. In his absence, Jericho Sims has put up 2.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 11.2 minutes as part of the team’s second unit.

Despite Toppin’s imminent return, his playing time is still capped below 20 minutes, with Randle having another All-Star-caliber season.

Toppin is extension-eligible this summer and was recently linked to Indiana Pacers in a potential swap for a future pick.

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