Kristaps Porzingis Injury: Updates on Knicks Star's Achilles and Return

New York Knicks sensation Kristaps Porzingis has been out since a Dec. 30 contest against the New Orleans Pelicans because of a sore Achilles.

However, he's ready to make his return. 

Continue for updates.

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Porzingis to Return vs. Bucks

Friday, Jan. 6

Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek told reporters that Porzingis will play Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Porzingis Emerging as Superstar for Knicks

Porzingis has followed up a strong rookie campaign last season with a stellar effort so far this season. He had appeared in each of the Knicks' 32 games prior to Saturday, averaging 20.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest and leading the team with three win shares, per Basketball-Reference.com.

While the team is still not among the upper crust in the Eastern Conference, Porzingis' continued rise has left the Knicks in a position where they can dream about a playoff push with some minor tweaks.

All this depends on Porzingis being in the lineup. His injury leaves the Knicks with a huge scoring void, as Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose and Courtney Lee are the only other players who average double figures.

The team needs to be patient with Porzingis to ensure his long-term success, but New York's thin roster can be exposed quickly with him out.