The New York Knicks are dealing with injuries to key rotation pieces heading into Monday's matchup
The New York Knicks are continuing to surge up the Eastern Conference standings, sitting just 1.5 games back of the Detroit Pistons entering Monday's NBA slate. Continuing on their three-game road trip, the Knicks will match up with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, a team that has disappointed this season despite there being some bright spots.
Entering the contest 8-25 compared to New York's 22-9, the Pelicans will get the advantage of playing at home, but both teams enter the contest with key players sidelined due to injury. However, it's the reality in the NBA, and both teams have an opportunity to prove they can persevere without key members of their rotation.
Knicks Injury Report
Taking a look at the injury report for the Knicks, three key players are listed as OUT, with those being Josh Hart (ankle), Mitchell Robinson (ankle), and Landry Shamet (shoulder).
Starting with Hart, a report by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post revealed that Hart will not play during this team's current three-game road trip, and will be re-evaluated upon the team's return.
After coming off the bench to start the season, Hart has posted averages of 14.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with 51% shooting from the field and 41.8% shooting from three in 14 games as a starter. The ultimate glue guy for the Knicks, they'll have to make do without him for at least the next two games.
As for Robinson, he appeared in the team's recent contest in the win over the Atlanta Hawks, and there shouldn't be much concern since it's listed as injury management. Arguably the best offensive rebounder in the NBA this season, the Knicks will miss his presence on the glass, but it's an area the Pelicans aren't too strong in.
The other players listed for the Knicks include Tyler Kolek (ankle), who is listed as QUESTIONABLE, and Miles McBride (ankle), who is listed as PROBABLE. McBride was listed as questionable before being ruled out of the last game against the Hawks, so a return seems likely.
Pelicans Injury Report
The Pelicans have three players listed OUT, excluding Hunter Dickinson, who is on a two-way. Those three players are Herb Jones (ankle), Jose Alvarado (suspension), and Dejounte Murray (Achilles). Murray has yet to debut this season after tearing his Achilles tendon the year prior, while Jones could become a hot name on the trade block ahead of the deadline.
Tip-off in New Orleans is set for 8:00 p.m. EST, as the Knicks can look to start a three-game winning streak with a victory.