Knicks upgrade Obi Toppin’s playing status ahead of Spurs rematch

New York Knicks reserve forward Obi Toppin is progressing with his recovery from a non-displaced right fibula head fracture.

On Tuesday, the Knicks upgraded Toppin’s playing status from out to doubtful.

The Knicks are scheduled to host the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night, hoping to avenge last week’s loss during their three-game Texas swing.

But despite the new development, Toppin will likely miss his 14th consecutive game.

Toppin 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.

The Knicks have gone 8-5 since Toppin’s injury.

Meanwhile, Derrick Rose, who sat out Monday’s win over the Phoenix Suns due to a contused left knee, has been upgraded to questionable.

If Rose is available, it will be interesting to see if Tom Thibodeau will cut short Evan Fournier’s re-emergence. Fournier has averaged 8.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 17.0 minutes off the bench over the Knicks’ last three games.

RJ Barrett will miss his fourth straight game with a lacerated right index finger.

With Brunson back, the Knicks are favored to win against the Spurs, who are coming off a 36-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets Monday night.

Jalen Brunson’s return has stabilized the Knicks’ backcourt, tended by Immanuel Quickley and Miles McBride during his absence.

Brunson played like he never left, producing 24 points and six assists as he outplayed 12-time All-Star Chris Paul in their marquee matchup leading to a 19-point blowout of the Phoenix Suns.

Without Barrett, Quickley will continue to start. Quickley has been impressive as a starter, averaging 22.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists.

Over his last four games, Quickley has put up 22.8 points, 8.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds.

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