Kristaps Porzingis was not injury-prone in Spain, but the 7-foot-3 Latvian rookie is having his “moments” as a Knick.
Coming off a successful nine-point, 10-rebound outing Friday in Washington, Porzingis sat out Monday’s exhibition at the Garden against the Sixers with an upper left quad strain sustained in Sunday’s practice.
It’s roughly the same quad injury that stopped his pre-draft workout with the Knicks in June, but coach Derek Fisher said it’s “not as severe.’’
“We’re not as concerned,’’ Fisher said. “We’re pretty hopeful we’ll have him back by Friday [against Boston].’’
Still, Porzingis had an MRI exam Sunday. Durability could be his biggest obstacle because of a thin frame. Porzingis also hurt his left knee in training camp, tweaking his IT band, and sat out two straight days.
Porzingis said his latest injury occurred while running in Sunday’s scrimmage.
“I definitely felt the moment — I felt a little pinch in my leg again — not even close to as bad as before the draft,’’ he said. “I was recovering for 10 days at that time. This will be faster for sure. … Hopefully I’m back for Friday’s game. It’s not as bad, very mild. Not that serious. In a few days I’ll be fine.’’
Fisher said the injury could cause the Knicks to ease up a bit on the 20-year-old prospect.
“He’s still a young man in his physical development,’’ Fisher said. “It’s the second time with this particular injury, so of course we could adjust and do something different [with his training].’’
Porzingis didn’t miss one of Seville’s 50 games last season playing in the Spanish league and missed just one game the prior season.
“I don’t think I’m tired — stuff happens,’’ he said. “Maybe my body was telling me to take it a little easier. It’s hard. It’s my [third] game. I wanted to have a good game against Philly. I got to keep my head up.’’
Porzingis had a shaky Garden debut Wednesday against Bauru of Brazil, committing two turnovers and shooting 2-of-7. He said he was overanxious playing at the Garden for his first time. Monday he admitted he is “still a little lost in the triangle.’’
The Sixers on Monday did not play Jahlil Okafor, who was drafted one slot before Porzingis, or Nerlens Noel.
For the second straight game, 2011 draft bust Derrick Williams, who signed a two-year, $9.5M deal, finished as the Knicks’ leading scorer. Their most athletic player, Williams notched 21 points on 8 of 12 shooting. He nailed both his 3-pointers, executed a reverse dunk and scored often on the fast break.
“Just trying to be dynamic, said Williams.