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Head Coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to his team during a timeout against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 03, 2025
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart is expected to miss his second consecutive game Friday night as the team closes out its five-game road trip against the Indiana Pacers.
Hart was downgraded to doubtful on Friday afternoon as he continues to manage persistent left knee soreness, raising the likelihood that one of New York’s most dependable rotation players will remain sidelined.
The veteran guard-forward already missed Wednesday’s victory over the Utah Jazz, and the latest injury update suggests the Knicks are taking a cautious approach as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Hart’s knee issue surfaced shortly after logging 36 minutes against the Los Angeles Clippers, part of a heavy workload that has made him one of the team’s most relied-upon players this season.
Known as the Knicks’ “glue guy,” Hart’s absence removes a versatile defender, rebounder and playmaker from coach Mike Brown’s rotation.
Knicks Dealing With Multiple Injury Concerns
GettyKarl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks could miss the last game of their current road trip.
Hart is not the only Knicks player facing injury concerns heading into the matchup in Indiana.
Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns is also listed as doubtful with knee soreness, while recent waiver addition Jeremy Sochan is doubtful due to illness.
The injuries come as New York looks to finish its road trip on a positive note after an uneven stretch.
The Knicks opened the trip with an impressive victory over the Denver Nuggets, but followed that with back-to-back losses to the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
New York rebounded Wednesday in Utah, though the win required a major comeback after the Knicks fell behind by 18 points in the first half.
Jordan Clarkson Could See Larger Role Again
With Hart expected to remain out, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson could once again receive extended minutes.
Clarkson delivered his best performance since joining the Knicks in Wednesday’s victory over the Jazz, scoring 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting while adding five rebounds and three assists.
The performance snapped New York’s two-game losing streak and provided a timely reminder of Clarkson’s scoring ability.
“For him to go out and perform the way he did, you couldn’t ask for anything better,” Brown said after the game.
“It goes to show he’s not just keeping his body right, but his mind is in a good spot to go after coming in when you’re down 18 in the first half.
“Especially from him, who is a veteran who hasn’t been playing or in the rotation and all of a sudden we need him.”
Clarkson also made his presence felt in other ways, including five offensive rebounds that helped slow Utah’s transition attack.
“Jordan Clarkson was huge for us,” Brown said. “A lot of guys played the right way in the second half, including Jaylen. But Clark kept us in the game when we were down.
“On top of the 27 points, he had five offensive rebounds and that helped slow their transition game down. Just a whale of a game by Jordan in a lot of different areas.”
Pacers Getting Reinforcements Despite Losing Streak
While the Pacers have dropped 11 straight games, they could welcome several players back into the lineup Friday.
Former Knick Obi Toppin is expected to return after sitting out the first half of Indiana’s back-to-back set.
Aaron Nesmith has also been upgraded to probable after missing Thursday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns. Nesmith recently scored 29 points against the Sacramento Kings following a multi-game absence.
Meanwhile, Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is listed as questionable with back and neck soreness.
Nembhard returned Thursday and scored 23 points on 6-of-7 shooting in just 17 minutes, though he did not play in the second half — likely an effort to preserve him for the second night of the back-to-back.
Knicks Seeking Strong Finish to Road Trip
With Hart likely sidelined again, the Knicks will rely on their depth and recent momentum to close the road trip with a win.
Clarkson’s resurgence could prove especially important if New York hopes to avoid another slow start and maintain its positioning in the Eastern Conference standings.
For now, the Knicks appear focused on managing Hart’s knee soreness carefully — ensuring the veteran forward is healthy for the stretch run and the postseason ahead.