INDIANAPOLIS — Enes Kanter posted his 20th double-double this season — a 20-point, 15-rebound outing in Sunday’s 110-99 loss to the Pacers.
Kanter, a traditional low-post center, even bagged a 3-pointer — his fifth this season. His numbers are All-Star worthy and he’s playing for a new contract. Because of his enormous cap hold, it may not be with the Knicks, even if he’s just 26, because the Knicks believe Mitchell Robinson is their future.
Kanter now is averaging 15 points per game on 56 percent shooting, two assists and 11.8 rebounds. He’s also shooting 83 percent from the free-throw line. And he’s doing it without Kristaps Porzingis as his frontcourt wingman. Kanter’s liability is his sluggish defense in the pick-and-roll and that he doesn’t protect the rim like Robinson or even Luke Kornet.
“I’m not counting my double-doubles,’’ Kanter told The Post. “I think for All-Star we have to win first. Of course, numbers matter but wins are more important. If we win, we’re all good. If we lose, I’m just numbers.”
Kanter appeared extra motivated from the get-go after getting benched in the second half and overtime in Charlotte on Friday as Kornet became the hero. Kanter grabbed three offensive rebounds on the first possession Sunday, scoring on a putback.
With Kanter rolling, Kornet played 9:27 and made 2-of-4 shots and one 3-pointer.
Robinson was in a walking boot Sunday and will be reexamined by team doctors Monday before the Knicks face the Suns. The 20-year-old rookie center is expected to miss multiple games because of a sprained left ankle that has become a troubling trend.
“It still hurts a bit,” Robinson said. “I’m waiting for the doctors to say about it [Monday]. [I hope to be back] as soon as possible [but I] got to wait what the doctors say.”
Robinson missed preseason games with an ankle sprain and left after one minute in the regular-season opener with another sprain.
“Try high-tops, try a brace, maybe try taping the brace,” Robinson said.
Robinson landed awkwardly Friday in Charlotte after a defensive rebound and left in the second quarter. Robinson hit the heel of a Hornets player upon landing.
“We’re trying to figure it out,” David Fizdale said. “Unfortunately, he keeps coming down on guys’ feet. He jumps so dang high, when he lands the wrong way, the ankle just rolls. Hopefully we can figure something out to help this kid so he doesn’t have to deal with this.”
Lance Thomas, the longest-tenured Knick, was finally cleared for action after five weeks out from his arthroscopic knee surgery, but he did not get in the game.