Knicks Announce Karl-Anthony Towns Injury Update Before Pistons Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 4:25 PM ET

The New York Knicks have played as a strong contender in the Eastern Conference, yet the team had still been exploring ways to potentially add another impactful player ahead of this year’s NBA trade deadline.

At the center of those discussions was center Karl-Anthony Towns, who is in his second season in New York. Towns is being paid a hefty salary of $53 million, which is only set to increase, so any move for a superstar would have likely seen Towns on his way out.

Instead, he will remain with the Knicks for at least this year’s playoff run. While Towns was selected to the All-Star Game for the sixth time in his career, his numbers have trended down this season.

Across 48 games, he is averaging 19.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 46.5% from the field and 35.6% from 3-point range, all while providing inconsistent defense.

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)© Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

As concern continues to mount over Towns’ fit on New York’s roster, his availability has also come into question before Friday’s game against the best team in the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons.

During Wednesday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, Towns drove to the basket and collided heads with Nuggets wing Spencer Jones, resulting in a laceration above his right eye that bled heavily and forced him to exit to the locker room.

He was able to return and finish the contest, totaling 24 points and 12 rebounds across 31 minutes of action. However, the issue is not fully behind him.

The Knicks announced their injury report for Friday’s matchup with Detroit, and Towns was listed as questionable with a right eye laceration.

The Knicks are listing Josh Hart (ankle) as questionable for Friday's game vs. Detroit.

Karl-Anthony Towns (right eye laceration) is listed as questionable as well.

OG Anunoby (right toe soreness) is probable.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 5, 2026

New York may be shorthanded beyond Towns as well, with starters OG Anunoby and Josh Hart also appearing on the injury report.

For Towns, staying available will be crucial as he tries to reestablish his rhythm, regain the trust of the coaching staff and show he can still anchor winning basketball. His response over the next few weeks may determine how the Knicks view his long-term place in their plans.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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