Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns tore the meniscus in his left knee and is out indefinitely, league sources said Thursday.
Downs, an All-Star last month, has been gathering more feedback on the injury over the past 24 hours, the sources said.
The 7-footer is averaging 22.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists and is shooting 50.6 percent from the field, including 42.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
JUST IN: Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is out indefinitely, sources say. @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/JlPe73PnN9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 7, 2024
The Timberwolves are currently atop the Northwest Division and tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder atop the Western Conference at 43-19. The NBA regular season ends on April 14.
Downs' knee injury has played a role in his lackluster play of late. Downs' scoring average has dropped to 16 points per game over Minnesota's last four.
Minnesota officially signed veteran tight end DJ Warren to a 10-day contract on Tuesday. Warren was a prolific scorer during his career with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, but he missed the entire 2021-22 season with a foot injury and played in 42 games for the Nets and Suns last season. Towns' injury could open the door for him for minutes.
Downs, who showed no signs of labor in Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, has always been a player who plays through various bumps, injuries and ailments. After missing 51 games last season with a calf injury, he was honored to be named an All-Star this season.
This story will be updated.
(Photo: Michael Reeves/Getty Images)