A couple of New York Knicks rookies are in danger of missing their upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. According to Ian Begley of SportsNet New York, Obi Toppin and Immanuel Quickly are both listed as doubtful for their home opener versus the Sixers. Begley reports that Quickley is nursing a sore left hip, while Toppin has a sore right calf.
Knicks say Immanuel Quickley (sore left hip) and Obi Toppin (sore right calf) are doubtful for the home opener tomorrow against PHI. Austin Rivers (sore groin) and Omari Spellman (sore right knee) are out.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 25, 2020
Toppin and Quickley have both made their NBA debuts in New York's season-opening loss to the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday.
Drafted no. 8 overall, Toppin scored struggled in his first regular-season game, going for just 3-of-12 from the field for nine points to go along with three rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 24 minutes. All of his points came from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Quickley played just 12 minutes, netting five points in his Knicks debut. Should the two rooks miss Saturday's game, they will join Austin Rivers (sore groin) and Omari Spellman (sore right knee) on the sidelines.
While the Knicks would ideally want their two first-round picks to get out there and gain as much experience as they can, perhaps they could err on the side of caution given that there are still 71 games of basketball to go. Nonetheless, Toppin and Quickley will likely get plenty of opportunities as the year goes on given that New York is focusing on developing their young talent.
Toppin, 22, currently finds himself behind starting power forward Julius Randle on the Knicks depth chart. The Brooklyn native should see his role grow as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Quickley, taken no. 25 overall in the 2020 draft, has earned a spot in the rotation with a strong showing in the preseason.
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