Karl-Anthony Towns

Absent from the Knicks' last two games, Towns fully participated in Saturday's practice. In addition to the sprain, he's dealing with a bone chip in that thumb, but surgery will not be required to address that issue. If the Towns cannot play against the Hawks, Jericho Sims will remain in the starting lineup, and reserve Precious Achiuwa will play more minutes off the bench.

Towns (thumb) is questionable for Monday's game against Atlanta.

Towns has missed two straight, but his participation in practice could mean he's nearing a return. Hart hasn't missed a game since December 19, but he's apparently dealing with a shoulder injury. Both players' next chance to play will come Monday against the Hawks at Madison Square Garden. If one or both are sidelined, expect Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa to see big minutes in the frontcourt.

Towns (thumb) was able to go through a full practice Sunday, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns sat out Friday night's loss to his former team, the Timberwolves, marking his second straight missed game due to a bone chip and sprained thumb.