Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined with elbow injury

The star center will miss Friday's game against the Bulls due to a right elbow impingement.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player, with sharp planes of color and form representing the sport's intensity.A cubist interpretation of a basketball player's movements captures the dynamic energy of the sport, as the Knicks await the return of their star center Karl-Anthony Towns.NYC Today

New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns was held out of the team's game against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night due to a right elbow impingement. Towns was in good spirits as he participated in pregame activities, but the team ultimately decided to hold him out of the contest.

Why it matters

Towns is a key player for the Knicks, and any injury to a star player can have a significant impact on the team's performance and playoff hopes. Elbow injuries can be tricky for basketball players, so the team is likely being cautious with Towns' recovery.

The details

According to reports, Towns was experiencing discomfort in his right elbow and the team decided it was best for him to sit out the game against the Bulls as a precautionary measure. The Knicks did not provide a timeline for his return, but will likely monitor his progress closely before determining when he can rejoin the lineup.

  • The Knicks played the Chicago Bulls on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Karl-Anthony Towns

A star center for the New York Knicks who was held out of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls due to a right elbow impingement.

New York Knicks

The NBA team that Karl-Anthony Towns plays for, who decided to hold him out of their game against the Chicago Bulls as a precaution due to his elbow injury.

Chicago Bulls

The opponent the New York Knicks were scheduled to play on Friday, April 4, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This injury to Karl-Anthony Towns is a setback for the Knicks, who will need their star center healthy if they hope to make a deep playoff run. The team is taking a cautious approach, which is the right call, but they'll be eager to get Towns back on the court as soon as he's fully recovered.