Porzingis status up in air for Hornets

On Saturday, there was a notion Kristaps Porzingis — who is recovering from a sore left knee that he tweaked against the Nets — would be available to play against the Thunder. False alarm.

Now for Monday’s game in Charlotte, where the Knicks will seek a fifth straight victory, Porzingis has officially been listed as “questionable” by the team.

“Questionable” is better than “out” but the Knicks aren’t doing handstands because they are 1-4 in games when Porzingis did not suit up to play. Saturday’s triumph over the Thunder is the lone exception.

“What happens sometimes when a guy goes out, all the rotations change. Guys roles, at least for a couple of guys, may be a little different,” coach Jeff Hornacek said. “They’re asked to do more. Then all of a sudden, they’re thrown into that. Now after a couple of games, the guys are comfortable with what they’re supposed to do if KP’s not supposed to play. They understand what they’re supposed to do so that makes it easier.”

The bench has been one reason the Knicks have weathered early season injuries. Through 29 games, the bench for the 16-13 Knicks has averaged 32.4 points. But in the last nine games, including eight straight without the injured

Tim Hardaway Jr., their bench has averaged 41.3 points.

One contributor who has done it all season is Kyle O’Quinn, who had nine points and seven rebounds during the Knicks’ 111-96 victory over the Thunder on Saturday at the Garden. “That’s the engine,” Michael Beasley, who had a game-high 30 points against the Thunder, said of O’Quinn. “He gets in, he’s loud, he’s boisterous. He gets more blocks than he’s supposed to. Defense, offensive rebounding. ... He’s the energy guy on this team. He’s the one that keeps it all going.”