Ariel Hukporti Injury News & Updates

New York assigned Hukporti to the G League's Westchester Knicks on Tuesday.

Hukporti has 16 appearances to his name at the NBA level this season for an average of 7.9 minutes per contest, so this move will allow him to get some additional reps.

Hukporti registered six points (1-2 FG, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal across 23 minutes during Sunday's 106-100 win over the Magic.

With Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) out Sunday, Hukporti was able to log extended minutes and took advantage of the opportunity, posting season highs in minutes, points, rebounds and blocks. If Towns can't go Tuesday against the Raptors, Hukporti could be in line to see an expanded role again behind Mitchell Robinson.

Hukporti contributed zero points (0-2 FT) and four rebounds across 13 minutes during Monday's 113-100 victory over the Nets.

Despite playing a season-high 13 minutes, Hukporti failed to score for the sixth time in his 10 appearances thus far this season. Even with injuries to multiple key pieces, Hukporti was unable to play a meaningful role, a trend that is likely to continue moving forward.

Hukporti will come off the bench during Tuesday's game against the Bucks.

Hukporti will be in the second unit with Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps), sliding over to the center position and Landry Shamet starting in place of Deuce McBride (personal). Hukporti started the two games he's played, averaging 1.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game across 14.0 minutes per contest.

Hukporti will start in Sunday's game against the Heat, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

With Miles McBride (personal) sidelined, Hukporti will rejoin the starting lineup. The second-year big man started Wednesday's season-opening win over Cleveland with Mitchell Robinson (ankle) unavailable, recording two points (1-2 FG), five rebounds, two assists and one block in 18 minutes.

Hukporti won't start in Friday's game against the Celtics, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

With Miles McBride entering the starting five, Hukporti will retreat to the second unit. The second-year big man got the starting nod in Wednesday's season-opening win over Cleveland, during which he recorded two points (1-2 FG), five rebounds, two assists and one block in 18 minutes.

Hukporti is expected to be in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener against Cleveland, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Mitchell Robinson is getting the night off for load management Wednesday, so this will likely be only a spot start for Hukporti. The big man averaged just 8.7 minutes per game over 25 regular-season contests a year ago, but Hukporti carries some streaming appeal against the Cavaliers.

Hukporti (illness) posted five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes in Friday's 113-108 preseason win over the Hornets.

Hukporti returned to action after missing Monday's loss to the Wizards due to illness. The second-year big man led the second unit in rebounds during the win. The 23-year-old averaged just 8.7 minutes per game in 25 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, though he could see more playing time behind Mitchell Robinson (rest) this season.

Hukporti (illness) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Wizards, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Head coach Mike Brown said Monday that Hukporti was expected to suit up, though he's now being held out due to illness. The big man's next opportunity to play will come in Friday's preseason finale against Charlotte.

Hukporti racked up six points (3-4 FG) and six rebounds across six minutes during Thursday's 99-84 win over the 76ers.

Hukporti wasn't on the floor for long during the team's preseason opener, but he made his presence felt off the bench, coming four rebounds and four points shy of a double-double in only six minutes. The German import will hope for more performances like this during the preseason to merit a bench role during the regular season.

Hukporti (knee) did not appear in Saturday's Summer League game against the Wizards.

Hukporti was sidelined for Saturday's game due to a left knee sprain. His last Summer League outing came Sunday against the Celtics, when he tallied nine points (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist over 22 minutes.

Hukporti is out for Thursday's Summer League game against the Pacers due to a left knee sprain, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

The severity of the injury is unknown, and Hukporti can be labeled day-to-day going forward. The 2024 second-rounder is trying to make an impression this summer for a more pronounced role ahead of 2025-26, averaging 6.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks while shooting 58.3 percent from the field over three Summer League outings.

Hukporti recorded nine points (2-4 FG, 5-6 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and an assist in 22 minutes during Sunday's 94-81 Summer League loss to the Celtics.

Hukporti's offensive numbers will not jump off the screen, but his work on the boards and defensively was highly impactful. Hukporti tied for game-highs in rebounds and blocks while also contributing two steals. He was especially dominant on the offensive glass, creating six extra possessions for his team.

The Knicks exercised their $1.96 million team option in Hukporti's contract Sunday, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Hukporti will return to New York for a second season after appearing in 25 regular-season games (one start) last year, during which he averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds across 8.7 minutes per game. The 23-year-old isn't guaranteed significant playing time in 2025-26, though he could see a boost in minutes if Precious Achiuwa departs in free agency.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said Friday that Hukporti (knee) is "a ways away" from returning this season, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Hukporti suffered a torn meniscus and underwent surgery Feb. 28. While Thibodeau didn't entirely rule out a return this season for the 22-year-old, it seems unlikely he'll be back anytime soon. When healthy, Hukporti was primarily a deep reserve, averaging just 8.7 minutes across 25 appearances.

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said Tuesday that Hukporti (knee) isn't doing much in practice other than individual work, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Hukporti is on the mend from surgery to address a torn meniscus, which he underwent Feb. 28. Though Hukporti hasn't experienced any reported complications in his recovery, the rookie isn't guaranteed to make it back on the court before the end of the regular season. Even when healthy this season, Hukporti has largely been outside of the rotation, appearing in 25 games while averaging 8.7 minutes.

Hukporti will miss the next four to six weeks for the Knicks after suffering a torn meniscus in his left knee, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Hukporti went down with a left knee injury during Wednesday's win over the 76ers. The 22-year-old big man logged 16 minutes as a starter before being ruled out for the game, finishing with eight points, two rebounds and one block. New York was already thin in the frontcourt while awaiting the return of Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and now, they will have to pivot once again. Precious Achiuwa will likely see more time on the floor for the Knicks.

Hukporti has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the 76ers due to a sprained left knee.

Hukporti limped off the court and got his knee wrapped earlier in the contest before returning to action. However, the injury proved to be too much to play through, and he'll watch the remainder of the contest from the sidelines. Hukporti logged eight points (4-5 FG), two rebounds and a block over 16 minutes before exiting. Expect Precious Achiuwa to see plenty of action the rest of the way. Hukporti's next chance to play will come Friday at Memphis.

Hukporti is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the 76ers.

The Knicks will be without Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle), so Hukporti is the next man up at center and will get the nod here. This will be the first start of the rookie's career in The Association. He's averaging 1.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 0.5 blocks across 8.4 minutes per game in 24 contests off the bench this season.

Hukporti totaled two points (1-1 FG), five rebounds and one block in 17 minutes in Thursday's 113-111 overtime win over the Bulls.

Hukporti hasn't had consistent playing time this season, but with Precious Achiuwa thrust into the starting lineup Thursday, the rookie also saw an uptick in playing time. Achiuwa getting minutes at power forward with OG Anunoby (foot) and Josh Hart (knee) banged up bodes well for Hukporti getting more opportunities, at least until Mitchell Robinson (ankle) makes his season debut.

Hukporti totaled six points (3-3 FG, 0-1 FT), five rebounds and two assists over 19 minutes during Tuesday's 121-115 victory over the Raptors.

Hukporti played a season-high 19 minutes, seemingly moving ahead of Jericho Sims in the rotation. With Precious Achiuwa playing as the starting power forward, Hukporti slid in as the backup center behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Although his production was quite modest, it is something to monitor moving forward given the shallow rotation typically utilized in New York.

Hukporti (illness) is available for Monday's game against Memphis.

Hukporti was added to the injury report as questionable due to illness, but it won't keep him from Monday's action. He's not currently part of the regular rotation, making only three appearances in New York's last 16 matchups.

Hukporti (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Grizzlies.

Hukporti did not play in Saturday's 143-120 win over the Kings due to an illness, which he is still working through. He has seen sparse playing time even when available, so his absence Monday wouldn't impact New York's big man rotation all that much.

Hukporti (illness) is out for Saturday's game versus the Kings.

Hukporti has received inconsistent playing time for the Knicks this season, so his absence won't affect the team's rotation. Hukporti's next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Memphis.

The Knicks recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Saturday.

Hukporti will rejoin the Knicks ahead of Saturday's game against the Kings, but it's unclear if he'll actually be available after he sat out Friday in Westchester's 123-109 win over the Maine Celtics due to an illness. Even if he's healthy enough to play Saturday, Hukporti is unlikely to be included in the rotation.

New York recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Wednesday.

Hukporti will be back with the Knicks to provide added depth in the frontcourt in Wednesday's game against the 76ers, but he's unlikely to see any playing time if the contest is competitive.

The Knicks recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Monday.

Hukporti will rejoin the parent club ahead of its matchup against the Magic on Monday. The rookie is a member of the Knicks' 15-man roster, though he hasn't appeared in an NBA game since Dec. 19.

The Knicks recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Wednesday.

Despite being recalled in time for Wednesday's game versus Utah, Hukporti didn't log any minutes of action. The rookie big man will likely continue to bounce back and forth between the NBA and G League.

New York recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Sunday.

Hukporti will provide the Knicks with some depth in the post in Monday's game against the Raptors, but he's unlikely to see any minutes if the contest is competitive.

Hukporti (ankle) played the final 1:50 of Thursday's 133-107 win over the Timberwolves, finishing with one point (1-2 FT) and two rebounds.

Hukporti wasn't available for the Knicks' previous two games with a left ankle sprain, but he was given the green light to play Thursday and ended up seeing the court in the tail end of the blowout win. Though he's now healthy again, Hukporti will remain on the outside of head coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation.

The Knicks recalled Hukporti (ankle) from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Thursday.

Hukporti will rejoin New York after a brief stint with Westchester, with whom he presumably resumed practicing. The rookie center had sat out the Knicks' last two games with an ankle sprain, but he looks like he could be available for Thursday's game against the Timberwolves.

Hukporti (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Magic.

As expected, Hukporti has been downgraded from doubtful to out. His absence isn't expected to impact the Knicks' rotation.

Hukporti is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Magic.

The rookie center hasn't been a regular part of the NBA rotation this season, so his likely absence isn't expected to affect many fantasy decisions. Hukporti has averaged just 8.8 minutes per game in his 11 outings off the bench.

Hukporti is listed as out for Wednesday's game against the Hawks with a sprained left ankle.

Hukporti suited up for the G League's Westchester Knicks earlier Wednesday, playing 14 minutes and finishing with two points (1-2 FG), two rebounds, two assists and two blocks in a 118-107 win over the College Park Skyhawks. He likely suffered the ankle injury at some point during the contest and won't be able to suit up in the Knicks' NBA Cup matchup later in the day. The rookie center hasn't been a regular part of the NBA rotation this season.

New York recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Wednesday.

After playing 14 minutes in Westchester's 118-107 win over the College Park Skyhawks earlier in the day, Hukporti will rejoin the parent club in advance of its matchup with the Hawks later in the evening.

New York recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Monday.

Westchester didn't have a game Monday, so Hukporti, Tyler Kolek and Precious Achiuwa joined the G League squad for practice and were recalled afterward. Playing time at the NBA level has been hard to come by for Hukporti, who's played double-digit minutes twice across eight appearances for New York.

The Knicks converted Hukporti from a two-way contract to a two-year standard NBA contract Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The second year of the contract is a team option.

The No. 58 overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, Hukporti has appeared in four of the Knicks' first five games of the season, missing his lone field-goal attempt while pulling down seven rebounds and blocking four shots across 29 total minutes. The Knicks had opened the season with only 12 players on the 15-man roster, but because league rules require teams to have at least 14 players on standard contracts for no more than 28 days during a season, Hukporti was upgraded from his two-way deal largely to help fulfill the roster requirement. While the fact that he's been moved off a two-way deal means he won't be restricted to the amount of games in which he can be active for the Knicks, Hukporti still looks to be on the outside looking in for a rotation spot, even while fellow big men Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) remain sidelined. Jericho Sims appears to have at least temporarily settled in as the Knicks' preferred backup center behind Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Knicks signed Hukporti to a two-way pact on Monday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

The final pick of the 2024 Draft secured a two-way deal with the Knicks, and he will likely spend most of his time with their G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. Hukporti played overseas with Riesen Ludwigsburg in the German Bundesliga and spent time in the Australian NBL in 2023-24. Across 43 games in both leagues in 2023-24, the 22-year-old averaged 8.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks across 17.7 minutes per game.

Hukporti was selected with the No. 58 overall pick by the Knicks in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Hukporti has been playing overseas with Riesen Ludwigsburg in the German Bundesliga and spent time in the Australian NBL before that. The 22-year-old center is a classic big -- a screen-setter who can finish at the basket and protect the rim. He's full of energy and looking to make hustle plays. It seems unlikely he'll see meaningful minutes as a rookie.