The New York Knicks will face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, aiming to stretch their winning streak to five games. However, they'll be without forward Josh Hart, who is sidelined with right knee patellofemoral syndrome. This condition, often known as runner's knee, causes pain at the front of the knee and can result from overuse, muscle imbalances, or trauma.
Hart's absence is notable as he's been a crucial part of the Knicks' rotation in his fourth season with the team. At 31, Hart has played in 56 games, starting 42 of them, and is averaging 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with shooting splits of .506/.395/.710. He previously missed games against the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz due to left knee soreness.
The Knicks are hot on the heels of the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference's second seed, trailing by just 1.5 games with 13 games left in the regular season. Their recent four-game winning streak has also given them a 2.5-game cushion over the Cleveland Cavaliers for third place. With the eighth-easiest remaining schedule in the NBA, the Knicks are well-positioned for a strong finish, as their opponents have a combined win percentage of 48.2.
On the other side of the court, the Brooklyn Nets are struggling, coming into Friday's game on a five-game losing streak. They'll be missing several key players, including Michael Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain), Noah Clowney (right wrist sprain), Egor Demin (left plantar fascia injury management), and Day'Ron Sharpe (left thumb surgery).
The Nets have been facing offensive challenges, averaging an NBA-low 95.3 points on 39.3 percent shooting from the field and 32.0 percent from beyond the arc in their last four games. As both teams prepare for this matchup, the Knicks will look to capitalize on their momentum, while the Nets aim to turn their fortunes around.