Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) sits against Wolves as Knicks lose

NEW YORK – The Knicks were without center Karl-Anthony Towns in Friday’s 116-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the second straight game in which the star center missed after suffering a broken bone and sprain. on the shooting thumb earlier in the match. week.

Towns had been listed as questionable and a decision at the time of the game against the Wolves, with whom he played his first nine NBA seasons. The teams played earlier this season in Minneapolis, where Towns finished with 32 points, 20 rebounds and six assists, including a 5-for-5 effort from 3-point range, in the Knicks’ victory.

Towns, who was injured when he hit his hand on the backboard on Monday during a dunk attempt against the Pistons, had significant swelling in his thumb. He was taped twice during Monday’s game and continued to play, but repeatedly grabbed his hand and struggled with his jump shot afterward. He then missed the Knicks’ overtime victory in Philadelphia.

Towns is having a stellar season, averaging 25.4 points and a league-best 13.9 rebounds since being traded by the Timberwolves on the eve of training camp.

Julius Randle, who played for the Knicks for five seasons, played in his first game at Madison Square Garden since being traded for Towns and scored eight points, seven rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes. Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who had big moments for New York last season and ranked third in the league in 3-pointers made, missed Friday due to a toe injury.