PHILADELPHIA — The word became official about 90 minutes before game time, but was predictable nearly 48 hours earlier that Karl-Anthony Towns would be out of action Wednesday night as the Knicks took on the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center.

Acquired in a blockbuster preseason trade that sent Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round pick to Minnesota, Towns has unlocked new dimensions in New York’s offense with his ability to stretch the floor playing the stretch five at Madison Square Garden.

On several occasions during the Knicks' 124-119 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, Karl-Anthony Towns was seen holding his right thumb and doubled over in apparent pain.