Knicks’ Obi Toppin Sidelined with Calf Strain

The New York Knicks will be without Obi Toppin until the new year as the rookie forward nurses a calf strain. Toppin will be re-evaluated in seven to ten days, the team revealed.

Even the earliest of time frames could put Toppin out of action until Jan. 6, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York surmises, given that he wouldn’t likely be able to practice with the team before Jan. 3.

While manageable, the six-game absence throws a wrench in the No. 8 pick’s first season in the NBA. With only 72 regular season games on the docket for the league this year, every game is essentially for developing players and rosters.

Toppin’s NBA debut saw the Dayton product put up nine points in limited action. The Knicks lost that game and Toppin’s first game on the sidelines.