The New York Knicks are riding high on a four-game win streak, and with the Portland Trail Blazers coming into Madison Square Garden, the momentum is firmly on their side. But as tip-off approaches, there are a few injury concerns that could impact how the Knicks manage their rotation-most notably, the status of Josh Hart.
Josh Hart’s Ankle Soreness Raises Questions
Hart has been a glue guy for the Knicks all season, and his recent play has been nothing short of impactful. He’s listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup with right ankle soreness, which is something to monitor closely.
Hart logged 35 minutes in the team’s dominant 119-92 win over the Raptors on Wednesday, finishing with 22 points, five boards, and six assists-a stat line that speaks to his all-around value. The Knicks are 24-12 when Hart is in the lineup, and his presence on both ends of the floor has been a stabilizing force.
On the year, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 36 games. Those aren’t just solid numbers-they’re the kind of contributions that don’t always show up in highlight reels but are critical to winning basketball. If Hart can’t go, the Knicks will need to get creative to replace his versatility, especially on the defensive end and in transition.
Miles McBride Also a Question Mark
Miles “Deuce” McBride is also dealing with an ankle issue-he’s listed as doubtful due to left ankle injury management. He sat out the Raptors game after playing in 15 straight, and while he missed eight games back in December, he’s been a steady contributor since returning.
McBride is averaging 12.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists this season, and he’s been lights-out from beyond the arc, shooting a career-high 42% from deep. His ability to stretch the floor and play aggressive perimeter defense has made him a valuable piece off the bench. If he’s unavailable, the Knicks will be down another key backcourt option.
G-League Assignments and Two-Way Players
Several Knicks on two-way deals or G-League assignments are also listed as questionable: Pacome Dadiet, Trey Jemison III, Dillon Jones, and Kevin McCullar Jr. These names may not be at the forefront of the rotation, but with multiple injuries stacking up, depth could come into play, particularly in a game that may require some roster flexibility.
Portland’s Injury Woes Continue
The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, are trying to snap a three-game skid and close out their road trip on a high note. But they’re dealing with a laundry list of injuries that could make that task even tougher.
Deni Avdija is listed as questionable with a low back strain. He’s missed five of the last eight games but did suit up against the Wizards, where he played 30 minutes and posted 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Avdija is in the middle of a breakout campaign, averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game and getting to the free-throw line nearly ten times a night. If he’s healthy, he’ll be a handful for the Knicks to contain.
Robert Williams III is also questionable with left knee injury management. The veteran big man has been alternating games lately and missed the Blazers’ most recent outing.
He’s appeared in 32 games this season, averaging six points and 6.2 rebounds. Injuries have limited him in recent years-he played just 26 total games over the past two seasons-but when available, his rim protection and rebounding can alter the flow of a game.
The Blazers are also without several key rotation players:
- Duop Reath is out for the season after undergoing surgery for a right foot stress fracture.
- Matisse Thybulle remains out indefinitely with right knee tendinopathy.
He’s appeared in just four games this season.
- Blake Wesley is out with a right foot fracture.
He was expected to miss 2-3 months as of early November.
- Kris Murray is still out with a lumbar strain and hasn’t played since early January.
- Scott Henderson is out with a left hamstring tear and has yet to play this season.
- Damian Lillard is also out for the year with a left Achilles tendon injury.
Final Matchup of the Season
This will be the second and final meeting between the Knicks and Blazers this season. New York took the first matchup, 123-114, back on January 11, and they’ll be looking to complete the season sweep at home.
With the Knicks surging and the Blazers limping into the Garden, this one looks like a mismatch on paper. But if Hart and McBride are sidelined, New York’s depth will be tested. And if Avdija suits up for Portland, the Knicks will need to contain one of the league’s more underrated scorers this season.
Bottom line: The Knicks have the momentum, the home-court edge, and the better health-at least for now. But in the NBA, nothing’s ever guaranteed.