The New York Knicks are missing forward Josh Hart, who has been out for six straight games. Hart suffered a sprained ankle in their Christmas Day game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since then, the Knicks have continued their season without one of their best all-around players.
Last Friday, New York reported that the 6-foot-5 forward will be re-evaluated. Since not having Hart in the lineup, the Knicks have gone 2-4. The team is currently on a four-game losing streak, which has increased pressure on them.
Ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the Knicks received an encouraging update. NBA insider Ian Begley reported on Hart’s potential return against the red-hot Clippers.
“The Knicks had said last Friday that he was going to be re-evaluated in a week, meaning this coming Friday,” Begley said. “But I think his return, I think it’s possible he gets back before that. I think that he’s close, he’s close to coming back here. They really need him.”
Josh Hart is "close" to returning to the court and could play tomorrow night against the Clippers, per @IanBegley
Ian and @FredKatz discuss all things Knicks on The Putback with Ian Begley pic.twitter.com/J7QOQmeukl
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 6, 2026
“Based on how things have gone, I wouldn’t rule that out, the idea that he’s back then.”
Josh Hart may not be the Knicks’ best player, but he adds a lot to the table. Through 28 games, he averaged 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists. Hart is the team’s go-to hustle guy, who’s always willing to put his body on the line.
The Knicks listed Josh Hart as out against the Clippers
Amid the struggles that the Knicks have had since Josh Hart went down with an injury, the team confirmed that the forward won’t suit up against the Clippers. The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reported on Tuesday on X that New York has ruled him out of the contest.
“Josh Hart and Landry Shamet are listed as OUT for tomorrow against the Clippers,” the insider reported. “James Harden is questionable.”
There’s still a chance that Hart will return to the lineup within the team’s estimated timetable. On Friday, the Knicks will start their four-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns. Without the forward, the Knicks have fallen to a 23-13 record and are now the third seed in the Eastern Conference.
