Karl-Anthony Towns’ dream escape may have turned into a nightmare for the Knicks.

The New York Knicks are set to face the Detroit Pistons, but they may be without their starter. It was reported last night that center Karl-Anthony Towns has a sprained left wrist and is questionable for tonight’s game. Towns had a stellar performance against the Miami Heat, where he had 44 points and 13 rebounds on 68 percent shooting to help the Knicks to a 116-107 victory.

“I like his approach because he doesn’t force anything,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said of Towns’ recent form. “He’s got the skills of a guard in a center’s body… the more this team goes through together, the better he’ll get.”

Towns played a critical role for the Knicks, stepping up their game after news that starting center Mitchell Robinson would be out until late December or early January due to a delay in his rehab from foot surgery. Backup center Precious Achiuwa is also sidelined for at least another two weeks with a left hamstring strain suffered in the preseason. Averaging 22.5 points and 11.3 rebounds in four games, Towns has adjusted well and has become the primary scorer alongside Jalen Brunson. Despite speculation that heavy minutes under Thibodeau may have contributed to his injury, Towns is actually averaging a career-low 31.8 minutes per game.

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If Towns is rested, Jericho Sims could step into the starting role with increased minutes due to the team’s lack of depth at center. Now in his fourth season, Sims is averaging 2.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 13 minutes off the bench. Coach Thibodeau also gave rookie Ariel Hoekporty some opportunities, highlighting the young center’s athleticism and defensive abilities.

The 2-2 Knicks will face a Pistons team with a 1-4 record. The Knicks will have to contend with Detroit’s frontcourt, including Jalen Duren (9.2 rpg) and Tobias Harris (8.4 rpg), which could be a problem if Towns is unable to play in tonight’s game.