The New York Knicks will be without their starting center Enes Kanter tonight as they take on the Atlanta Hawks, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. This can represent a huge opportunity for last season's starter Willy Hernangomez, who can likely get the start in his absence.
Joakim Noah could have factored into the decision, but won't, as he stayed behind due to an illness — given that head coach Jeff Hornacek did not want to risk the team getting it during this road trip.
The Knicks are coming off their most impressive win of the season, pulling off a 108-100 victory over the Toronto Raptors and a historic 28-0 run in the third quarter to erase an 11-point deficit to start the second half.
Kanter's absence should provide additional minutes for Hernangomez as well as Kyle O'Quinn, as the two will battle newly-minted rookie starter John Collins and Dewayne Dedmon, who have proven to be a formidable duo through their last few outings.
New York is hoping to trade one of the three reserve centers prior to the All-Star break, though their market has proven certainly limited. If the Knicks had their way, Noah would be the first to go, but moving his massive four-year, $72 million contract will prove easier said than done.
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