Knicks list Josh Hart as day-to-day with back spasms after preseason exit
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The New York Knicks have ruled guard/forward Josh Hart day-to-day after he left Thursday’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers with back spasms.
Hart went down early in the second quarter in Abu Dhabi after grabbing a defensive rebound and attempting to start a fast break. He remained on the floor in visible pain before being helped to the locker room. Moments later, officials ejected him for throwing the ball into the stands while still on the court.
“I just saw him when he was down and he looked like he was in considerable pain,” first-year head coach Mike Brown told reporters. “But he’s day to day and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
The Knicks kept Hart out of Saturday’s preseason contest and will re-evaluate him when the team returns to New York. The club is scheduled to host the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden on Friday.
Hart, 30, is coming off his most productive NBA season, posting 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 52.5% from the field in 77 games for New York.
Early hints at the rotation
Brown has not committed to a starting lineup, but the first two preseason games offered some clues. Center Mitchell Robinson, who missed much of last season with an injury, has opened both games alongside Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns. With Hart sidelined Saturday, that group remained intact.
If Hart shifts to the second unit, he would join newcomers Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and Malcolm Brogdon, giving the bench additional scoring punch.
The Knicks plan to monitor Hart’s status throughout the week.
Source: Basketball Insiders
