Josh Hart
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New York Knicks' Josh Hart in a recent game against the Miami Heat
The New York Knicks are set to welcome Josh Hart back into the lineup Friday night, a timely boost as New York manages multiple injuries heading into a marquee road matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons.
Hart, who missed one game with an ankle injury, was upgraded to probable on the official injury report. The do-it-all forward exited Tuesday’s win over the Washington Wizards early after limping to the locker room with 6:48 remaining in the third quarter and did not play in Wednesday’s 134–127 double-overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden.
His return comes at a critical moment for a Knicks team riding momentum but facing growing health concerns.
Hart’s All-Around Impact Looms Large for Knicks
Hart has been one of New York’s most consistent contributors this season, averaging 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals while routinely guarding multiple positions. His energy, rebounding from the guard and forward spots, and connective playmaking have made him a fixture in coach Mike Brown’s starting lineup.
With injuries mounting, Hart’s versatility figures to be even more important against a Pistons team that leads the East and presents size and physicality across the lineup.
Knicks Star’s Status in Doubt After Eye Injury
Hart’s return helps offset the uncertainty surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been downgraded to doubtful after sustaining a significant eye laceration in Wednesday’s win over Denver.
Towns suffered the injury late in the first quarter when he drove to the rim and collided heads with Nuggets forward Spencer Jones. Towns’ right eye was bloodied on the play after being fouled, while Jones exited shortly thereafter and did not return, later entering concussion protocol.
Despite the severity of the cut, Towns remained on the floor long enough to convert both free throws before heading to the locker room. He received several stitches and returned with 3:11 remaining in the second quarter, wearing a bandage above his eye.
He immediately made his presence felt.
Towns scored seven straight points, grabbed a rebound and fired a long outlet pass to OG Anunoby for a breakaway dunk that punctuated a Knicks’ 9-0 run.
“I ain’t really know how bad it was,” Towns said after the game. “But I realized how much I was bleeding. Tim Hardaway Jr. was looking at me like, ‘Ooh.’ It was pretty significant.”
Towns finished with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 12 rebounds before fouling out near the end of the first overtime.
Knicks Bolster Backcourt After McBride Injury News
The concerns did not stop with Towns.
Earlier Thursday, Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that Knicks guard Miles McBride is expected to undergo surgery Friday to address a core muscle injury (sports hernia) and could be sidelined until the playoffs, citing league sources.
Minutes later, New York moved to reinforce its backcourt.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, New York acquired Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash considerations.
Familiar Fit as Hart Welcomes Alvarado
Hart publicly welcomed Alvarado to the Knicks, posting “JOSEEEEEEE” on X shortly after the deal was announced. The two were briefly teammates in New Orleans during the 2021–22 season and share a similar high-energy, defense-first approach.
Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his knack for creating steals, Alvarado brings career averages of 8.1 points, 3.0 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. His disruptive perimeter defense and pace complement Hart’s relentless style and fit seamlessly with the Knicks’ identity.
As New York balances momentum with mounting injuries, Hart’s return — paired with Alvarado’s arrival — offers stability for a team determined to keep pushing near the top of the Eastern Conference.