Josh Hart’s Return: Knicks Hopeful Ahead of Key Matchup Against Portland
PHOENIX — After missing eight consecutive games due to a sprained ankle, Josh Hart is nearing his much-anticipated return to the court. Coach Mike Brown has updated fans, saying that Hart has started to take contact during practice and is "definitely getting close" to being match-ready.
Potential Comeback Against Portland
With Hart on the verge of returning, he may be back in the lineup as early as this Sunday in Portland. The Knicks have found themselves struggling without his presence on the floor, managing only a 3-5 record during his absence. In their recent game on Friday, they fell short, losing 112-107 to the Suns, a contest that Hart watched from the bench.
Impact of Hart’s Absence
Hart’s injury has exposed a gap in the Knicks’ playmaking ability, forcing Jalen Brunson to shoulder more responsibilities against physical defenses. Young talents like Tyler Kolek, Mikal Bridges, and Miles McBride found it challenging to adapt in Friday’s loss, leading to increased scrutiny on their performance.
"Obviously, we’re trying to give some young guys an opportunity," Coach Brown remarked. "They’ve just got to do the best they can."
Struggles with Recovery
Hart suffered the ankle sprain on Christmas, an injury he described as more problematic than his previous experiences. On his podcast, he expressed frustration over the recovery timeline, joking that if it had been his left ankle, he would have been back on the court by now.
Hart’s Thoughts on Recovery
- Quote: "I’ll be back at some point. We’ll see. Pretty good little sprain."
- He acknowledged that he typically doesn’t have serious issues with his left ankle but noted the difficulties of healing from the right one.
- "This was a good one. After this, I won’t have any ligaments to sprain. So I’ll be solid," Hart added.
Looking Ahead: Knicks and Wizards Draft Prospects
In addition to Hart’s impending return, the Knicks are keeping a close watch on the Wizards as they monitor their draft prospects. The Wizards recently acquired four-time All-Star Trae Young, a move that could impact the Knicks’ draft strategy.
Wizards’ Strategy
- The Wizards currently hold a 10-27 record, the fourth-worst in the league.
- Reports indicate that the team might allow Young to rest rather than push for immediate performance, which could risk the Knicks receiving a Top-8 protected pick in 2026.
- If the Wizards fail to convey this pick, it will convert into two second-round picks, altering the dynamics for the Knicks in future drafts.
Summary
As Josh Hart inches closer to his return, the Knicks are hopeful that his comeback will reinvigorate their season. Meanwhile, they are strategizing around the Wizards’ performance and its implications on their draft future.
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Additional Resources
By following the Knicks closely during this critical period, fans can remain informed about both player performances and the team’s overall trajectory.
