What happened: Karl-Anthony Towns is active and available to play Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers. The New York Knicks center was cleared ahead of the scheduled 7:30 PM ET tipoff.

Why it matters: Towns remains central to New York's frontcourt rotation as head coach Mike Brown has worked to integrate him into an expanded playmaking role early in the season. His presence inside bolsters the Knicks against a Philadelphia squad that enters the matchup at 4-1.

What to watch: The Knicks and 76ers tip off at 7:30 PM ET in Philadelphia.