Overview
- Hart has missed eight straight games with a right ankle sprain, has taken contact in practice, and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Portland.
- The Knicks are 3-5 without Hart and have dropped five of their past six, including a 112-107 loss to the Suns on Friday.
- Coach Mike Brown and teammates label Hart a connector and energy hub whose rebounding and ballhandling steady the offense and help the defense get set.
- With Hart out, Jalen Brunson has carried more ballhandling duties as paint touches and drive‑and‑kick actions have declined, and secondary handlers have struggled against pressure.
- In a related roster backdrop, Washington’s trade for Trae Young and reports he may rest could influence whether the Wizards’ top‑8 protected 2026 pick conveys to New York.