The New York Knicks will be looking to close out the Atlanta Hawks, but they may have to do so without a key player.
Forward Josh Hart left New York’s 126-97 Game 5 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, April 28 in the fourth quarter and did not return to the bench.
After the game, Knicks coach Mike Brown did not have any information on Hart’s status, and a team public relations spokesperson indicated that the medical staff had not provided any information about a possible injury.
With the Knicks holding a 3-2 series lead, Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 7 p.m. ET.
Here’s everything you need to know about the status of Knicks forward Josh Hart ahead of Game 6 against the Hawks:
Is Josh Hart playing tonight vs. Hawks?
It’s still unclear. In their first official injury report issued late Wednesday evening, the Knicks listed Hart as questionable with a lower back contusion. It was the first indication from the team that Hart was dealing with an injury, and the severity of it remains unclear.
Presumably, with a closeout situation at stake, Hart will do everything he can to suit up. But given that it’s still early in the playoffs, New York may also want to be cautious with Hart.
Known for his grit, physical play and toughness, Hart has often played through minor issues, and he has become a key figure in New York’s title hopes. Throughout this series, he has served as a versatile defensive wing, alternating his assignments from game to game.
Even if Hart is forced to miss some time, though, the Knicks still have excellent defensive wings in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. In fact, Brown has deployed Hart in a way that allows the Knicks to switch all pick-and-rolls, giving New York excellent matchup versatility on defense.
Josh Hart injury
Hart appeared to suffer a back injury in the first half of Tuesday’s contest, though he remained in the game. Hart was officially subbed out with 6:27 left in Game 5, and he went through the tunnel and didn’t emerge for the rest of the game. The substitution might have been more precautionary, however, as the Knicks were up by 24 points when Hart left the game.
In his 30:14 on the court Tuesday night, Hart scored 9 points on 3-of-8 shooting, adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, April 30 in Atlanta, with the Knicks holding a 3-2 series lead. The Knicks issued their first injury report Wednesday, April 29, during the evening.
How to watch Knicks vs. Hawks
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Location: State Farm Arena (Atlanta)
Josh Hart stats
In 66 games this season, Hart averaged 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Josh Hart injury update, status for Knicks vs Hawks Game 6
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