The Knicks face the Phoenix Suns with key players sidelined as they look to build on recent win.
The New York Knicks are set to face the Phoenix Suns, and they're dealing with some injury problems that could affect how they want to play.
The team just snapped a tough four-game losing streak with a big 123-111 win over the Clippers on Wednesday, but they'll be without some key guys as they start their West Coast road trip.
Who's Out for the Knicks?
The Knicks will be missing two players when they take on the Suns, and both have been out for a while now.
Josh Hart remains sidelined with a right ankle sprain, marking his sixth straight game on the bench, and he's been a big loss for New York since his all-around game brings so much to the table with his rebounding, ball handling, and toughness that the team really needs.
Guard Landry Shamet is also out with a right shoulder sprain, and he hasn't played since November 22nd when he got hurt against the Magic.
There's also Trey Jemison III, who's been assigned to the G League.
The good news is that Hart might be back soon, as reports suggest he could return within the next day or two.
Shamet's timeline is still unclear, though he's expected back within the next week or two, according to recent updates.
No Changes From Last Game
The injury report stays the same from the Knicks' previous game against the Clippers, with Hart and Shamet continuing to miss action.
Both players were ruled out for that matchup too, and the team has had to adjust its rotation to make up for their absence.
Miles McBride has moved into the starting lineup and has been doing well in that role, helping the Knicks find their footing after that rough losing streak.
Current State of the Knicks
Right now, the Knicks are sitting at 24-13 and hold the second spot in the Eastern Conference, and they're trying to bounce back after losing four straight games to San Antonio, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Detroit before finally getting that win against the Clippers.
Jalen Brunson continues to lead the way for New York, averaging 29.1 points and 6.3 assists per game this season, and he's been the steady hand keeping things together during this tough stretch.
Karl-Anthony Towns has also been solid, putting up 21.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, though he struggled a bit during the losing streak before bouncing back with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in the Clippers win.
The team got balanced scoring in that victory over Los Angeles, with all five starters hitting double figures and showing the kind of depth that can help them win games even without Hart in the lineup.
OG Anunoby had 20 points on great shooting, while Mikal Bridges added 15 points along with 9 rebounds and 5 assists to show his all-around game.
Suns' Injury Situation
On the other side, the Phoenix Suns are dealing with their own problems as they come into this game with a 22-15 record.
They'll be without Jalen Green, who has a right hamstring strain and has only played twice all season, and Jamaree Bouyea is also out while he's in concussion protocol.
Jordan Goodwin is listed as available despite dealing with a jaw sprain, and he'll be wearing a mask when he plays.
Looking Ahead
This West Coast trip will be a real test for the Knicks, who need to show they can win on the road and stay near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Getting Hart back soon would give them a big boost, but for now they'll need to keep getting contributions from everyone on the roster just like they did against the Clippers.
The Suns may not get as much national attention as some other teams, but they're a tough opponent at home with a 12-5 record at Mortgage Matchup Center, so New York will have to bring their A-game if they want to start this road trip with a win.