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New York Knicks News: Kristaps Porzingis Leads List Of Questionable Players vs. Utah Jazz

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after fouling out against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) reacts after fouling out against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Celtics 120-114. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks News: The Knicks could be shorthanded against the Utah Jazz Wednesday, as three players, including Kristaps Porzingis, are questionable.

The New York Knicks will be looking to get back to the .500 mark Wednesday night when they host the Utah Jazz at Madison Square Garden. They will also be looking to exact some revenge on the Jazz, who blew out the Knicks December 9th at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, by a score of 106-85. The Knicks scored only 11 points in the first quarter and trailed by as many as 33 points in the game.

The Knicks will look to return the favor Wednesday night, but could be doing it a bit shorthanded. Carmelo Anthony is still recovering from his ankle injury he suffered last week against the Boston Celtics, but will suit up. He could have a different running mate in the front court though, as Kristaps Porzingis is questionable.

Porzingis injured his foot against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee game Monday. He was forced from the game and did not return, but he did not have to go back to the locker room for testing, so that is a positive. He also said that he was feeling better Tuesday, which is a great sign for the Knicks and their prized rookie.

In addition to Porzingis, the Knicks could also be without backup forward Lance Thomas and backup power forward/center Kevin Seraphin. Thomas is questionable with a sore left knee, while Seraphin is dealing with a bruised rib.

Porzingis would be the biggest loss, as he has quickly become the Knicks second best player. He is already a difference maker on both ends of the court, as he is nearly impossible to defend at his height with his ball handling and shooting ability, while his size makes it difficult to score on. If he is unable to play, Thomas would be an option to replace him in the starting lineup, but he is also questionable.

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If Thomas is unable to suit up, expect Derrick Williams to pick up a couple extra minutes. We could also see more of Kyle O’Quinn, who has been in and out of the rotation this season. Seraphin has been out of the rotation recently as well, playing double-digit minutes only once thus far in January, so his loss shouldn’t affect the rotation much. He will miss out on an opportunity at playing time though if Thomas does indeed miss time.

In addition to O’Quinn, the players that stand to gain the most in playing time from these injuries are Lou Amundson and Robin Lopez. With all of the player being fowards that are injured, and two being power forwards/centers, the Knicks will need their other big men to step up and fill the void.

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The Jazz are not without their own injury concerns up front, as Derrick Favors is still sidelined. But, they have capable big men in Rudy Gobert, Jeff Withey and Trevor Booker that have done well filling in for Favors over the last 14 games.

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