Karl-Anthony Towns likely is the player the Knicks can least do without, especially with Mitchell Robinson still unable to practice.

There was no Villanova reunion. There was no anticipated spat with Rick Brunson to keep an eye on. Former fans didn’t have the chance to watch him play on the Garden floor during what has been a hot streak for the Delaware native.

It’ll represent the durable DiVincenzo’s first DNP of the season for the T’wolves and puts a damper on an anticipated matchup between offseason trade partners.

The 21-19 Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled to get on the same page at times after making a monstrous offseason trade that brought in Julius Randle

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) shoots at the basket as Boston Celtics forwards Xavier Tillman (26) and Jayson Tatum (0) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) AP

Want to trade Julius Randle? Target the worst teams in the league who are in a race for Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.

The Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against the Timberwolves, who will be without starter Donte DiVincenzo (toe).

Friday night marked Randle’s first game back at Madison Square Garden since the Knicks traded him and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the three-team blockbuster that brought center Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the Knicks has a bone chip in his right thumb, but is expected to try to play through the injury.

Knicks fans left little doubt about their feelings for Julius Randle. A familiar roar filled ... since the Knicks traded him and guard Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota in the October blockbuster ...

The two Timberwolves, who were instrumental in last season's Knicks success, return to the Garden Friday night, but DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain.