Doc: KP needs to strengthen ailing Achilles

With Kristaps Porzingis missing his third straight game with a sore Achilles tendon, a leading medical expert in foot/ankle injuries told The Post the 7-foot-3 Latvian is suffering from tendinitis, should play less minutes and go on a special program to strengthen the tendon.

The good news, the expert from Northwestern Memorial Hospital said, is Porzingis likely is too young at 21 to be suffering from Achilles tendinosis, which could result in a career-ending rupture. However, the expert said Porzingis is more prone to Achilles tendinitis than virtually all other NBA players.

“For sure people who are of advanced height put more strain on the tendons, their height and length mechanically puts more stress,’’ Dr. Anish R. Kadakia, associate professor of orthopedic surgery and fellowship director of Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Fellowship at Northwestern University, told The Post. “The Achilles is the most relevant because it has to support your whole body weight.’’

Porzingis said he had never had Achilles pain before developing soreness Christmas Day, but played through it for two games before being shut down last week in Houston. Coach Jeff Hornacek said the tendon was still “stiff ’’ but hoped to get Porzingis into a practice Thursday and try to play him Friday.

Kadakia, who has not had Porzingis as a patient, said his recommendation is for Hornacek to ease up on the playing time for now.

An NBA source said the Knicks aren’t planning to pursue Suns defensive forward P.J. Tucker despite his ties with Hornacek.

Tucker shut down Carmelo Anthony in last month’s meeting between the teams and Hornacek regarded him as one of his favorite players in Phoenix. Tucker said upon Hornacek’s return to Phoenix last month, “It was really tough watching an amazing coach” get fired.