Knicks Rule Out Josh Hart Again as Ankle Injury Lingers Ahead of Suns Game

The New York Knicks will continue to navigate life without Josh Hart, who has not played since Christmas Day because of a lingering ankle injury. Hart was once again listed on the team’s injury report ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Phoenix Suns and was officially ruled out, according to The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.

Hart has now missed seven straight games, leaving a noticeable void in New York’s rotation. Known for his toughness, rebounding and defensive energy, the veteran wing has become one of the Knicks’ most indispensable glue guys during their rise in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Knicks’ medical update also included Landry Shamet, who was ruled out with a shoulder injury, further thinning the backcourt depth as the team prepares to embark on a four-game road trip.

Despite the absences, New York enters the trip with a 24–13 record, good for second place in the East, but the challenge of sustaining that pace without key role players is beginning to loom large.

1. Remembering Hart’s Last Outing

Hart’s most recent appearance came in the Knicks’ Christmas Day win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a performance that underscored how much he brings to the floor. In just over 26 minutes, he scored 15 points while adding five rebounds and three assists. He was efficient across the board, shooting 5-of-9 from the field, 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-4 at the free-throw line. It was a tidy, high-impact showing that reflected his ability to contribute without dominating the ball. That night has since taken on added significance, as it has now been more than a week since Hart last suited up. What initially appeared to be a minor ankle issue has turned into a longer absence than the Knicks anticipated. With each passing game, the team is reminded that Hart’s value lies not just in box-score production but in the connective tissue he provides between New York’s stars and its bench unit.

2. A Career Built on Reliability

Hart’s NBA journey began as the 30th overall pick in the 2017 draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the years, he has worn several uniforms, including stops with the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers before finding a more permanent home in New York. Now in his third full season with the Knicks, Hart has evolved into one of the league’s premier role players. His combination of rebounding at the guard position, perimeter defense and playmaking has made him a favorite of head coach Tom Thibodeau. This season, Hart has appeared in 28 games, starting 14, while averaging just over 30 minutes per night. His line of 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.4 steals speaks to a do-it-all skill set that few wings can replicate. Efficiency has also been a hallmark of his game, with shooting splits of 49.8 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from three and 83.7 percent from the free-throw line — production that New York has sorely missed during his absence.

3. Road Test Without a Key Piece

Friday’s game in Phoenix marks the beginning of a four-game West Coast trip that will also take the Knicks to Portland, Sacramento and Golden State. It is a stretch that could shape their positioning in the Eastern Conference race. Without Hart and Shamet, the Knicks will need increased contributions from their remaining perimeter players, particularly on the defensive end where Hart’s presence is most difficult to replace. The team has managed to stay afloat so far, but the margin for error is shrinking. The Suns present an immediate challenge, boasting one of the league’s most potent scoring lineups. For New York, slowing down Phoenix without one of its top perimeter stoppers will test both the roster’s depth and its defensive schemes. For now, the Knicks remain optimistic that Hart will return soon, but until he does, they will have to find a way to preserve their momentum with a patchwork rotation in hostile arenas across the West.