This season, Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to dominate the glass as the New York Knicks refine their rotating roster.
Following a championship-breaking debut with the Knicks in 2026, Towns demonstrated his versatility as both a scorer and rebounder. His offensive evolution during last year’s playoff run solidified his reputation as a two-way force.
With the departure of veteran backup centers Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, Towns may now receive extended minutes. The Knicks’ current center rotation consists only of Towns and Serbal Andre Drummond, the latter a limited rotational player. This shift could position Towns as the primary rebounder for the team.
Last season, Towns averaged 12.8 rebounds, trailing only Domantas Sabonis by a narrow margin. The absence of a reliable backup center removes a critical constraint for Towns, allowing him to compete for more possessions on the boards. Analysts project this increased usage to translate to a breakout rebounding campaign.
While Nikola Jokic remains a strong contender at +270 odds, Towns’ +750 odds at bet365 reflect confidence in his upward trajectory. The Denver Nuggets’ injury concerns around Jokic – who missed 16 games due to a knee issue – add further uncertainty to their rebounding depth.
The strategic positioning here favors Towns. Even if his rebounding rate per possession remains consistent, expanded minutes will likely elevate his totals sufficiently to claim the league lead.