NBA Roundup: Hart’s Return Lifts Knicks, Topic Back on Court for Thunder, Pistons Assess Trade Market
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The New York Knicks regained swingman Josh Hart after an eight-game absence, and the immediate impact showed in Monday’s 123-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Hart, sidelined since spraining his right ankle on Christmas Day, recorded 18 points and six rebounds as New York snapped a 3-5 skid compiled during his injury spell.
According to league sources, the Knicks have quietly surveyed the market for a reserve center despite owner James Dolan recently expressing championship expectations for the current roster. The front office is also said to be open to moving offseason addition Guerschon Yabusele ahead of the Feb. trade deadline.
Thunder Rookie Cleared After Chemotherapy
Oklahoma City first-round pick Nikola Topic announced he has resumed on-court activities following a round of chemotherapy. The Serbian guard, taken 12th overall in the 2024 draft, was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly before the season. Topic had already been rehabbing a torn ACL sustained last year and logged 10 preseason points in early October before stepping away for treatment.
Pistons Manage Injuries, Evaluate Trade Exception
The Detroit Pistons enter a four-day break nursing multiple injuries. Cade Cunningham has missed two straight games, while Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris are also sidelined. Detroit’s recent 30-point rout of the Knicks heightened league attention as the franchise considers moves before the deadline.
The Pistons hold a $14 million trade exception valid through July and are expected to target perimeter shooting and a secondary scorer to complement Cunningham, provided any incoming salary aligns with long-term plans.
Source: Hoops Wire
