Both New York Knicks’ rookies made their NBA debut against the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday. While the Knicks ended up losing the contest by a sizable margin, it was nice to see the youngsters earn early reps, despite a few injuries that could force them out against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday evening.
No. 8 overall pick Obi Toppin struggled in his first contest as a professional, going 3-of-12 from the field for nine points, also earning three rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 24 minutes. He took seven shots from beyond the arc, connecting on three of them. This was an interesting game for Toppin, who usually doesn’t take so many shots from three-point land.
Alternatively, rookie wing Immanuel Quickley played just 12 minutes before suffering a hip pointer injury. He logged five points in his debut, and the expectation is that the Knicks will be without both Toppin and Quickley for the home opener against Philadelphia. That’s not exactly how they envisioned the start of the season going, as Toppin is dealing with a sore right calf and Quickley recovering from a left hip issue.
The expectation is that both Austin Rivers and Omari Spellman will both be sidelined with groin and right knee injuries, indicating a poor start for the Knicks in the health category.
As new head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to build his starting five and figure out what the best combinations of players are, injuries couldn’t come at a worse time. Developing chemistry and continuity is essential earlier in the season, especially with all of these new faces.
Knicks say Immanuel Quickley (sore left hip) and Obi Toppin (sore right calf) are doubtful for the home opener tomorrow against PHI. Austin Rivers (sore groin) and Omari Spellman (sore right knee) are out.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 25, 2020
How long do the New York Knicks expect Quickley to be out?
“A hip pointer is basically a localized bruise to an area of the pelvic girdle, commonly the back of the hip. A lot of swelling can occur in a short amount of time, which can be very painful in the short term, and affects Quickley’s ability to perform basketball movements,†Dr. Eusebio told Alder Almo of Empire Sports Media.
“The good news is that this type is resolved by rest & strategic physical therapy. If Quickley can restore pain-free, comfortable hip movement, then he should be getting around on the floor again sooner rather than later. Barring further diagnostics, expect to see him back on the floor very soon (1-2 weeks),†added Eusebio, who has worked with NBA, MLB, NFL athletes, and Olympians.
Toppin’s injury is expected to be less severe than Quickley’s, but I would anticipate him missing Saturday’s game and potentially one more with the issue. Luckily, it is nothing long-term, and he should return relatively soon.