If the New York Knicks want to prove the worthiness of their new Villanova-crafted core by winning the Emirates NBA Cup, their road might’ve just gotten a little bit harder. Shooting guard Josh Hart is officially listed as questionable for Wednesday’s quarterfinal matchup against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained left ankle.
One concern in the immediate aftermath of the Knicks’ offseason trades was the team’s depth, especially given that injuries were the primary reason why they were knocked out in the second round of last season’s playoffs. Beyond New York’s elite starting five — Jalen Brunson, Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns — the Knicks have a relatively shallow bench.
Thankfully, New York has been relatively healthy this season, and the Knicks are fourth in the East with a 15-9 record. Hart has been a vital piece of the team’s success, playing 37.0 minutes per game — the fourth-most in the league — and averaging 13.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.
If Hart is unable to play against the Hawks, expect Miles McBride to slide into the starting lineup. The fourth-year guard has averaged an efficient 10.9 points per game in 19 appearances off New York’s bench. Brunson and Towns would also benefit from a fantasy perspective by Hart’s absence, as they would likely see increased usage.
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