The New York Knicks have injuries at the wrong time. With the season opener right around the corner, a few of the Knicks key contributors are hurting and might not play against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Knicks cannot afford injuries to start the year so with Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez hurting, there is cause for concern.
Afflalo had been sitting out all of the preseason with a hamstring injury. He made his return, but re-aggravated it in the preseason game on Thursday. According to ESPN's Ian Begley, Afflalo is now doubtful for the opener as he sits out of practice. Head coach Derek Fisher told Al Iannazzone of Newsday that he was not ready to make a call on Afflalo just yet.
"I can't overanalyze something we don't understand just yet," Fisher said, via Newsday.com. "We'll take a look at him closer over the next couple of days and kind of figure out what the program is and what the treatment plan is and then we can kind of decide whether we should be concerned. Until we really understand where he is, I don't think we can predict where he'll be on Wednesday night."
If Affalo cannot start, Sasha Vujacic, Langston Galloway or Jerian Grant will start in his place.The Knicks have Jose Calderon penciled in as the starting point guard for the team while either Galloway or Grant could earn the spot at shooting guard. Both point guards have excelled in the preseason earning the trust of Fisher and company. Vujacic has been the main filler for Afflalo which could be the ultimate replacement until the shooting guard is healthy again.
Lopez has also been hit with injuries as the center is dealing with an undisclosed minor injury. According to Mike Mazzeo of ESPN, the center is expected to play the season opener and is not expected to be hampered by the issue for long. The Knicks simply cannot afford to lose Lopez for any period of time.
"Yeah (I've been dealing with a physical ailment), but it wasn't anything too serious," Lopez said, via the Daily News. "I'm on the right track. I'm getting back to where I want to be and I'm almost there. It's nothing serious. Just the regular wear and tear."
Lopez is expected to start alongside Kristaps Porzingis as the rookie is getting the nod for opening night. Lopez is the only true center on the roster so without him the Knicks are in trouble. Kyle O'Quinn could step up or Derrick Williams could start as well, but Lopez is the x-factor.
