The depth of the Knicks in the point guard will be even more severely tested on Thursday night against the Orlando Magic.
Newcomer Immanuel Quickley will miss the game due to pain in his left ankle, the Knicks announced, joining shipowners Elfrid Payton (strain on the right hamstring), Derrick Rose (health and safety protocols) and Austin Rivers (reasons personal) behind the scenes.
Quickley started the last two games against Brooklyn and Philadelphia, but Frank Ntilikina will likely replace him against Magic. Reserve guard Alec Burks has also spent time with the ball in recent games, and the Knicks (20-21) carry out much of their attack through striker Julius Randle, who leads the team with 5.8 assists per game.
Little-used guard Jared Harper, who has not appeared in a game since December 31, can also get in on the action after spending time with Westchester in the G League bubble.
Quickley said, after Tuesday’s loss to the 76ers, that he injured his ankle in the first quarter, but remained in the game and “just resisted”.