The New York Knicks will welcome back a key player to the lineup vs the Philadelphia 76ers
The New York Knicks appeared to be heading into the end of the 2025 calendar year with plenty of momentum, riding a three-game winning streak into their final game of the year. However, the San Antonio Spurs had other plans, defeating them narrowly with the Knicks heading back to New York to kick off 2026 against the Atlanta Hawks.
Unfortunately, the Hawks spoiled the Knicks' star to the year with a 111-99 victory on the road, and now the Knicks will look to avoid a three-game slide on Saturday as they host the Philadelphia 76ers. New York has battled injuries as of late to key players, and they will at least return one of them to the rotation on Saturday night.
Knicks Injury Report
However, there are still some Knicks being sidelined due to injury, with those being Josh Hart (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder). For Hart, he's set to miss his fifth game, last seeing action in the team's Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers when he logged 15 points and five rebounds. After beginning the year on the bench, Hart now looks locked in as a starter.
As for Shamet, his absence has been lengthy. Saturday will mark his 20th straight absence of the season, which is unfortunate since he was just starting to find form after going down with an injury. He last appeared on November 22nd, where he left the game early in the Knicks' loss to the Orlando Magic.
The only other name listed for the Knicks is Karl-Anthony Towns, who is listed as QUESTIONABLE with an illness. Mike Brown shared after the loss to Atlanta that Towns was dealing with a stomach issue, but luckily the Knicks will be getting their other key center back in the rotation.
After missing the past three games due to injury, Mitchell Robinson is not listed on the injury report and will be available for the Knicks. New York started Ariel Hukporti on Friday against the Hawks due to Towns and Robinson being out, as he logged eight points and 16 rebounds.
76ers Injury Report
For the 76ers, they have five players listed, but the two notable names are Joel Embiid (knee), who is PROBABLE, and Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee), who is listed as OUT.
A team known for battling injuries, the 76ers could have all their stars active for Saturday's contest. The main focus for New York will be slowing down Tyrese Maxey, who is averaging 29.1 points and 7.1 assists in his past seven contests since returning from injury.
Tip-off in New York is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.