The New York Knicks ruled All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns out of Wednesday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night due to a sprained right thumb.
Towns initially went from questionable to doubtful because of the injury and eventually was ruled out of the contest.
Towns played 43 minutes in the Knicks’ last game on Monday, a 124-119 home loss to the Detroit Pistons. He appeared to injure his hand in the first half but continued playing and finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
In his first season with New York after a blockbuster trade in July from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns is averaging 25.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists in starting all 38 games he has played.
Center Jericho Sims, who started the three games that Towns has missed this season due to knee soreness, is listed as probable against the 76ers because of lower back spasms.
Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson also is probable while dealing with right shoulder soreness.
Philadelphia will be without All-Star Joel Embiid (sprained left foot) and fellow center Andre Drummond (sprained toe). Embiid has not played since a Jan. 4 road victory over Brooklyn, missing five games as the team went 1-4 with the lone victory over Washington.
Forward Paul George (ankle), point guard Tyrese Maxey (hand) are questionable, while point guard Kyle Lowrey (hip) and forward Caleb Martin (groin) have been ruled out.
