The Knicks could be getting a much-needed boost in the backcourt this weekend-but it comes with a tough trade-off. According to Friday’s injury report, Josh Hart has been ruled out for Saturday’s matchup against the Hawks with an ankle injury, while Miles McBride has been upgraded to questionable and could be on the verge of returning after an eight-game absence.
McBride nearing return after ankle injury
McBride has been sidelined with a left ankle sprain, but there’s optimism that he could be back in uniform against Atlanta. His return would be a significant lift for a Knicks team that’s managed to stay afloat without him, going 6-2 in his absence. In that span, rookie Tyler Kolek has stepped up and carved out a real role in the rotation, showing poise and playmaking that’s been hard to ignore.
But McBride brings a different edge-especially on the defensive end. Before the injury, he was playing some of the best basketball of his career, flashing confidence both as a starter and off the bench. His energy, on-ball pressure, and improved shooting had become a key part of New York’s second unit rhythm.
Hart out after Christmas Day scare
The downside for New York is the loss of Josh Hart, who tweaked his ankle late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ thrilling Christmas Day comeback against the Cavaliers. Driving hard to the rim, Hart landed awkwardly on a defender’s foot.
He stayed down for a moment, then gutted out two made free throws before heading to the locker room. He later returned to the bench and watched as the Knicks erased a 17-point deficit to steal the win.
It was a gritty moment from one of the team’s toughest players-but the aftermath now leaves New York without one of its most versatile weapons, at least for the short term.
Hart has been a do-it-all force for the Knicks this season, especially when starting. In the 14 games he’s opened, New York is 11-3, and he’s putting up 14.6 points, 9.4 boards, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting a scorching 41.8% from deep. That kind of production and impact isn’t easily replaced.
Next man up: McBride likely to start
If McBride is cleared to play, expect him to slide into Hart’s spot in the starting lineup. He’s already started nine games this season and was in a strong rhythm before the injury. While he doesn’t bring the same rebounding or physicality that Hart offers, McBride’s defensive motor and perimeter shooting give the Knicks a different kind of spark.
The guard rotation is getting more interesting by the day. With Kolek’s emergence and Landry Shamet also working his way back from a shoulder injury, head coach Tom Thibodeau will soon have some tough decisions to make. But for now, the focus is on getting McBride back on the floor and keeping the momentum rolling.
Saturday’s game against the Hawks could mark a key turning point in the Knicks’ midseason stretch-balancing the loss of a cornerstone like Hart with the return of a rising contributor in McBride.