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New York Knicks Likely To Be Without Willy Hernangomez vs Orlando Magic

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) reacts after an officials call during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks center Willy Hernangomez (14) reacts after an officials call during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks look like they will be without new starting center Willy Hernangomez against the Orlando Magic.

The New York Knicks have been hit by the injury bug in the front court. Starting center Joakim Noah will most likely miss the remainder of the season as he needs to undergo knee surgery. Likely joining him on the sideline, at least for one night, will be rookie Willy Hernangomez.

Hernangomez sprained his ankle against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. He had a solid game, scoring eight points with nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal. But, he was unable to participate in practice on Tuesday because of the injury. The Knicks official PR account shared that news on Twitter.

It looks like that injury will also keep Hernangomez out of the game against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Begley reports that Hernangomez is unlikely to play in the game, but that the Knicks will be getting Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup from his sprained ankle.

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"Willy Hernangomez is unlikely to play against Orlando tomorrow due to an ankle sprain. If Hernangomez doesn’t play, Kyle O’Quinn will start at center. Kristaps Porzingis may also see some minutes at center. With Joakim Noah likely out for the rest of the season, the starting center job is Hernangomez’s to lose at this point, per Jeff Hornacek."

If Hernangomez does indeed sit out, O’Quinn will be asked to play as many minutes as he can handle. Outside of O’Quinn, the only other healthy center on the roster is the seldom used Marshall Plumlee. He can expect to be active for the game against the Magic, and will probably see some minutes.

As shorthanded as they are, Begley’s prediction for Porzingis playing some minutes at the center position will probably come true. O’Quinn won’t play all 48 minutes, as he is averaging only 20.3 minutes per game when he starts. Plumlee has only played 8.1 minutes per game in his eight appearances so there are minutes available.

This Knicks couldn’t be suffering injuries in the front court at a worse time. Not only are they clinging to playoff hopes, the Magic have some talented centers that will make the Knicks hands full.

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