Knicks rookie Ariel Hukporti injures knee in first start

Field Level Media|published: Thu 27th February, 11:03 2025

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at New York Knicks

Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Trey Jemison III (55) and New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti (55) fight for a loose ball in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Knicks rookie Ariel Hukporti departed Wednesday's victory against the Philadelphia 76ers with a knee injury.

Making his first career start in place of injured center Karl-Anthony Towns, the 7-footer exited in the fourth quarter with a sprained left knee.

Hukporti, a second-round pick (58th overall) in the 2024 NBA Draft, originally appeared to suffer the injury during a third-quarter collision.

Hukporti, 22, played 16 minutes in the 110-105 win at Madison Square Garden and finished with eight points, two rebounds and one blocked shot.

"I thought Ariel gave us good minutes," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "He's a young guy who's learning and getting better. Each experience, when he plays, you're gonna learn something."

Hukporti is averaging 1.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 8.7 minutes in 25 games (one start) this season.

--Field Level Media