Porzingis sits vs. Mavs, set for shoulder MRI
New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis missed Wednesday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks because of right shoulder soreness. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Porzingis is scheduled to have an MRI exam when the Knicks return to New York on Thursday.
Porzingis, 20, told reporters he injured his shoulder on Monday when he blocked a shot attempt at the rim during the Knicks’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
He discussed the severity of the injury with reporters in Dallas on Wednesday.
“It’s really sore,” Porzingis said. “I can’t lift it up. It’s getting a little better, but not there yet. Hopefully I’ll be back next game or two games.”
This was the fourth game Porzingis has missed in his rookie season. He previously experienced soreness in the shoulder in January, but the original ailment did not force him to miss any time.
Porzingis has averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 72 games this year. The Knicks (30-45) are at the tail end of another tough season, but Porzingis has finished strongly, recording double-doubles in three of his previous five games.
His availability for the Knicks’ game Friday against the Brooklyn Nets is unknown.
ESPN’s Ian Begley contributed to this report.
