Knicks list Josh Hart as day-to-day with back spasms after preseason setback
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The New York Knicks have ruled guard Josh Hart day-to-day after he left Thursday’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi with back spasms.
Hart went down early in the second quarter when he grabbed a defensive rebound and attempted to push the ball upcourt. He remained on the floor in visible pain and was later ejected for throwing the ball into the stands while still on the court. The Knicks held him out of Saturday’s preseason contest as a precaution.
“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.”
A team official added, “It’s preseason and we’re going to err on the side of caution. We’ll see where he is when we get home.” The club returns to Madison Square Garden on Friday for a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Rotation implications
Hart enjoyed a career season in 2024-25, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 52.5 percent from the field across 77 games. Whether he starts or anchors the second unit remains undecided. Through two preseason games, the projected starting lineup features Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Recent bench additions Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and Malcolm Brogdon are expected to bolster the reserves alongside Hart if he opens the season in a reserve role.
Source: Basketball Insiders
