Josh Hart’s Injury Overshadows Knicks’ Preseason Victory

ABU DHABI, U.A.E. — The New York Knicks celebrated a preseason win against the Philadelphia 76ers, but not without concern for Josh Hart, who was sidelined due to a back injury.

Hart’s Condition

Hart experienced muscle spasms during the game, forcing him to exit in the second quarter, where he visibly struggled in pain. A team representative remarked, “It’s preseason, and we’re going to err on the side of caution. We’ll see where he is when we get home.”

The Knicks are scheduled to return to New York on Saturday, with their next matchup set for Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden.

Josh Hart injured his back in the Knicks preseason opener. (AP)

Game Highlights

• Injury Incident: Hart fell to the court during the second quarter and left holding his lower back.
• Ejection: He was also ejected for throwing the ball into the stands while he was lying on the court.
• Media Availability: Hart did not appear for media duties after Saturday’s shootaround, raising further concerns.

Player Updates

While Hart’s situation has left a cloud over the Knicks, OG Anunoby made a triumphant return, scoring 11 points in just 13 minutes.

Pacôme Dadiet Struggles

Conversely, Pacôme Dadiet, a 2024 first-round pick, struggled again, failing to score in seven minutes of play. Coach Mike Brown expressed uncertainty about Dadiet’s role in the team, stating:

“In terms of Pac in the rotation, I wouldn’t take into account too much that he started in the last game. He could be a monster defensively. He’s just got to play with a sense of urgency and awareness every single possession.”

Roster Competition Heating Up

In the ongoing battle for final roster spots, veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon was given playing time, contributing five points, four rebounds, and two steals in 13 minutes.

Other Candidates

The Knicks also assessed Landry Shamet and Garrison Mathews, both fighting for the last roster spot. Current performance metrics are crucial as the Knicks can only retain one of these players, although possible trades could open additional slots before the season.

• Brogdon: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
• Mathews: 6 points on 1-of-5 shooting
• Shamet: Played nine minutes scoreless

Coach Brown indicated a flexible and experimental approach to these roster decisions, analyzing different gameplay combinations.

“I’m experimenting right now,” said Brown, as he aims to refine his team’s strategy ahead of the season.

Next Steps

The Knicks will continue to evaluate their lineup in their upcoming game against the Timberwolves. As the preseason progresses, the team will need to monitor injuries closely and make strategic decisions regarding player roles and roster spots.

For more updates on the Knicks and their preparation for the upcoming season, follow ESPN and NBA.com.