The Knicks are about to begin a West Coast road trip but could be without one of their best players. Karl-Anthony Towns was ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Warriors due to personal reasons and could miss the upcoming trip.

New York head coach Tom Thibodeau spoke about Towns’ absence, saying he didn’t know if KAT would make the West Coast trip and that the Knicks’ star center “needs some time, and when he’s ready to come back, he’ll come back.” Towns played Sunday against the Heat and finished with 19 points and 16 rebounds in the 116-112 overtime win.

Here are the latest updates on why Towns is out and when he can be expected back.

Why is Karl-Anthony Towns out?

The Knicks take on the Warriors on Tuesday night before hitting the road for a five-game road trip. If Towns doesn’t make the trip with the team, he will have missed six games over 11 days due to personal reasons.

For now, that’s all we know about Towns’ absence.

There is no guarantee that Towns will miss the trip entirely. Even if he doesn’t travel initially, he could travel to meet the team on the West Coast over the next two weeks.

Mitchell Robinson will start in Towns’ place against Golden State. The Knicks are 40-20 and in third place in the Eastern Conference.

Karl-Anthony Towns 2024-2025 stats

Towns is in his first season with the Knicks. He was acquired ahead of the season in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop, and a first-round pick heading back to the Timberwolves. Even with a new team, KAT looks like himself, averaging 24.5 points and 13.4 rebounds per game this season.

54 games
24.5 points per game
13.4 rebounds per game
3.1 assists per game
53% FG percentage
42.5% 3FG percentage

Karl-Anthony Towns has consistently proven himself as one of the most versatile big men in the NBA. With a unique combination of size, skill, and shooting ability, he has established himself as a dominant offensive force. Towns is known for his ability to stretch the floor, knocking down three-pointers at an impressive rate for a center, while also maintaining efficiency in the paint. His scoring versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he can take defenders off the dribble, post up effectively, and shoot from beyond the arc with confidence.

Beyond his scoring, Towns has also been a strong rebounder throughout his career. Whether it’s securing defensive boards to start fast breaks or grabbing offensive rebounds for second-chance opportunities, he consistently makes an impact on the glass. His size and mobility allow him to crash the boards effectively, making him one of the most reliable rebounders in the league. Despite facing injuries and team struggles at times, Towns has remained a steady contributor in this area, keeping his team competitive in key moments.

On the defensive end, Towns has shown improvement over the years, but defense remains an area of growth. While he possesses the physical tools to be an elite rim protector, his consistency on that end of the floor has been questioned. However, in recent seasons, he has made noticeable strides in his shot-blocking and defensive awareness. When locked in, he can be a formidable presence in the paint, deterring drives and altering shots with his length.

Towns’ leadership and role in the team’s success cannot be overlooked. As one of the franchise’s cornerstone players, he carries the responsibility of guiding his team through both highs and lows. Whether it’s putting up big numbers in crucial games or setting the tone for his teammates, he plays a vital role in his team’s identity. If he continues to refine his defensive game and remains healthy, Towns has the potential to elevate his game even further and cement his status as one of the league’s premier big men.