On Thursday night, the New York Knicks will face off against the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.
The Knicks are coming off a 121-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (at home).
Ariel Hukporti did not play in the game.
Knicks Announce Roster Move Before Hornets Game
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 21: Ariel Hukporti #55 of the New York Knicks reacts as Day’ron Sharpe #20 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 21, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 120-66. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Before Thursday’s game, the Knicks announced that Hukporti had been recalled to the NBA.
Knicks PR wrote: “The New York Knicks recall Ariel Hukporti from the Westchester Knicks.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Ariel Hukporti #55 of the New York Knicks reacts after a dunk against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Hukporti is currently averaging 1.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per contest while shooting 55.0% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range in 49 games.
He is coming off a game in the G League where he put up 32 points, ten rebounds, five assists, one steal and four blocks while shooting 13/23 from the field and 1/5 from three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.
David Resnick wrote after the game: “A second straight win against a playoff-bound team. Ariel Hukporti was on assignment and poured in a career-best 32 points along with 10 rebounds. The Knicks finish up the season Saturday against the G League’s all-time leading scorer Mac McClung and the Bulls.”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 07: Ariel Hukporti #55 of the New York Knicks reacts after a dunk in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden on December 07, 2024 in New York City. The Detroit Pistons defeated the New York Knicks 120-111. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Hukporti’s Career
Hukporti was the 58th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
He has been with New York for each of his first two seasons.
The 23-year-old has career averages of 1.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest while shooting 59.3% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range in 74 games.
GettyTORONTO, CANADA – FEBRUARY 4: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks hugs Ariel Hukporti #55 after their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on February 4, 2025 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
While Hukporti’s NBA playing time has been limited, he has been a very good G League player.
Right now, he is averaging 23.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per contest in five regular season games.
Knicks Right Now
GettyTARRYTOWN, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to the media at Knicks Training Facility on September 23, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Knicks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48-25 record in 73 games.
They are in the middle of a seven-game winning streak.
Following the Hornets, the Knicks will play their next game on Sunday when they visit the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
New York Knicks Announce Roster Move Before Hornets Game