Kristaps Porzingis Says Elbow Injury Could Require Offseason Surgery

New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis revealed Wednesday that his monster start to the 2017-18 NBA season has come despite dealing with an elbow injury that may require offseason surgery.    

"When I hit it again, it just swells up, and it's sensitive, and I can't stretch my arm," Porzingis told the New York Post's Marc Berman of the injury. "It bothers me a little bit but not that bad. It's always, I have to get the swelling down, and then I'll be fine again. But I think once the season's over. I might have to do something about it. I just can't keep going like this every year."

Porzingis, 22, was ruled out of Wednesday's road matchup against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center with elbow and ankle injuries. 

The game was on the second night of a back-to-back, and the Knicks don't play again until they host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Porzingis is averaging 30.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game on 51.2 percent shooting. The Knicks are off to a surprising 6-5 start largely on the back of Porzingis' brilliance.

"Sometimes it's smart when something's hurting to maybe sit out one game and not later lose four games," Porzingis said. "But in this case, I got to the point with the ankle I needed to give it a rest. Hopefully I'll be ready next game."

The Porzingis effect was on full display Wednesday, as the Knicks allowed Orlando to shoot 53.8 percent from the floor in a 112-99 loss. Michael Beasley, who started in place of Porzingis, scored just four points.