Apr 2, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) celebrates with New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) after scoring a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-USA TODAY Sports
The streaking New York Knicks are close to having a healthy lineup after Obi Toppin and RJ Barrett reportedly went through practice at varying levels Sunday.
Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that Toppin finally went through all of the practice [drills] while Barrett did most.
Toppin hasn’t seen action since Dec. 7 due to a non-displaced right fibula head fracture. He missed his 15th game last Friday in Toronto despite being made available two games ago. The 24-year-old backup forward also practiced with the Knicks G League squad before their road win in Toronto.
Toppin averaged 7.7 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 35.1 percent from the three-point line in 17.1 minutes off the bench before the injury.
Meanwhile, Barrett is still expected to sit out more games as the six stitches in his lacerated right index finger haven’t been removed. But his participation in the Knicks practice is an encouraging development.
Before the injury, Barrett was on a 10-game tear, averaging 25.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from the three-point zone.
The Knicks are in the midst of a four-game winning streak without their two key players, looking to extend it against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday.
Overall, they are 4-1 without Barrett and 10-5 without Toppin this season.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
This post was published on 2023-01-08 13:14
