Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis: To remain out Friday

Porzingis (back) will not play Friday against the Grizzlies, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reports.

Analysis:

Porzingis was a late scratch Thursday versus the Wizards after experiencing some discomfort in his back prior to tipoff, and with the Knicks long out of playoff contention, there's next to no reason the Latvian should be risked by playing Friday. With Porzingis out, the Knicks could opt to start Marshall Plumlee alongside Willy Hernangomez again. Furthermore, after coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged that Porzingis could be shut down for New York's remaining two tilts, it's entirely possible that fantasy owners won't have him available until next season.