Knicks' Kristaps Porzingis to miss Monday preseason game due to hip soreness

NEW YORK -- New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis will miss Monday's preseason game against the Houston Rocketsbecause of hip soreness.

Porzingis first felt the soreness on Sunday during the Knicks' loss to the Brooklyn Nets. He said he felt soreness early in the game and his hip tightened at halftime. Team trainers then advised that he sit out the second half.

A team doctor examined Porzingis on Monday afternoon and determined that he should sit out against the Rockets.

"He's having some issues lifting his leg," Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said, adding that Porzingis felt soreness when taking a stride.

It is unknown whether Porzingis had any tests on his hip. Hornacek is hopeful that Porzingis will be able to play in the Knicks' preseason finale on Friday.

Also on the injury front for New York, rookie Frank Ntilikina missed his third straight preseason game on Monday with a knee bruise. Hornacek said Ntilikina still has some residual swelling in his knee but believes the rookie will return Friday.

Ntilikina, the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, missed the entire summer league with a knee injury but says his current ailment is unrelated.