Towns has missed the Knicks' last two games after injuring his Thumb during a Jan. 13 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The star center played through discomfort, posting 26 points and 12 rebounds on 7-of-17 shooting from the field, 4-of-9 from three and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. He declined to say whether he underwent X-rays following the loss.

The Minnesota Timberwolves walked into Madison Square Garden on Friday night and stomped the New York Knicks. They used their scorching hot shooting to carry them to a 116-99 win, knocking down 22 of 40 triples to spoil NY’s night.

The Minnesota Timberwolves traded Karl-Anthony Towns in part because they craved flexibility. Which they need. Because to justify the trade today, you’d have to bend over backward. As the Wolves prepare to play Towns and the Knicks on Friday,