Obi Toppin is expected to miss at least the next 6 games after an MRI confirmed he suffered a right calf strain during Wednesday’s season debut in Indiana.
Both he and Immanuel Quickley missed last night’s home opener vs. the Philadelphia 76ers with injuries, prolonging the wait for their rookie debut at The Garden.
“We felt there would be some injuries due to the long layoff,” coach Thibodeau said to the media after the game. “[Obi’s injury] is a strain, so what he has to do is get in, get treatment a couple times a day, study, put as much time into film work as possible, spend some time with strength and conditioning, that sort of thing. So we’ll take advantage of it that way. You’ve got to make the best of your circumstances.”
Toppin’s injury is a big blow to this Knicks team struggling to put points on the board in their first two games of the season. Versatile guard Austin Rivers is also yet to make his Knicks debut as he continues to rehab from a right groin injury.
“It’s been slow,” Thibs said of Rivers’ injury recovery after Thursday’s practice. “It’s a work in progress. He did a little bit today, which is encouraging. You have to be careful with that type of injury.”
There’s still no firm timetable for his return. With such a confusing dynamic currently at the point guard position, the Knicks could use another healthy playmaker on the floor. So, whenever he’s able to take the court, Rivers will be a much needed veteran addition to this squad.
He averaged 8.8 points and 2.6 rebounds on 35% shooting from three for the Rockets last year.
Omari Spellman also missed the Sixers game with a sore right knee, so the Knicks continue to limp along right now to start the regular season. We’ll see how they attack the Milwaukee Bucks tonight in their first back-to-back of the season.
CP and J. Ellis broke down their biggest takeaways during their Post-Game Live stream after last night’s loss to the Sixers. Check it out below.
