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

New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis will not play on Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers as he deals with a quad injury.

Continue for updates.

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Knicks 'Pretty Hopeful' Porzingis Returns by Friday

Monday, Oct. 12

ESPN.com's Ian Begley provided the latest updates regarding Porzingis' health, reporting a strained left quad will keep the big Latvian out for the time being. He also passed along a quote from head coach Derek Fisher, who said "the Knicks are 'pretty hopeful' that Porzingis will play Friday against Boston."

The Wall Street Journal's Chris Herring noted this injury could be part of a bigger trend:     

Porzingis dealt with a minor hip issue during the summer. In light of his multiple early ailments, he may be susceptible to other injuries down the line. The 20-year-old has a wiry frame at 7'1" and 220 pounds. Bigger frontcourt players will continue to try to bang him around in the paint. 

The more quickly Porzingis can bulk up and fill out his frame, the less at risk he'll likely be to get hurt. The precocious Latvian needs all of the live game reps he can log to expedite his acclimation to the NBA.

Knicks fans booed at the Barclays Center when New York drafted Porzingis No. 4 overall. The franchise is in need of a spark and reason for hope, which he has the upside to provide.

But the Knicks must keep the big picture in mind. Porzingis needs to be cautious about his return because he is the X-factor who will determine how the team progresses in the coming years.