New York Knicks coach Derek Fisher is leaning toward starting rookie Kristaps Porzingis on opening night of the regular season.
The 7-foot-3 forward, drafted by the Knicks at No. 4 overall in the first round in June, is averaging 7.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 34 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range in three preseason games.
The 20-year-old Porzingis missed two preseason games and several practices with a knee injury but said he has recovered.
“I’m getting some work done in the weight room, just working on those things so I can avoid those little injuries,” he said. “I’m totally fine, totally healthy.”
Fisher plans to start Porzingis with Jose Calderon, Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony and Robin Lopez in the team’s final preseason game on Thursday night against the Boston Celtics.
“Overall health should allow us tomorrow to play in a way that would be consistent with how we’ll start the season in terms of rotation,” Fisher said.
The Knicks, who managed only 17 wins in 2014-15, open the regular season next Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks.