Knicks vs. Bulls Injury Report: Josh Hart Ruled Out With Ankle Soreness

The New York Knicks will be without Josh Hart when they host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Hart has been ruled out with right ankle soreness after initially being listed as questionable. The NBA’s Wednesday morning injury report confirmed his absence ahead of the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

New York enters at 3-4 after beating Brooklyn 103-90 on Monday. Chicago is 1-6, giving the Knicks a chance to reach .500 and put together consecutive victories.

They will have to do it with a different rotation, as Hart’s absence creates a vacancy in the starting group and additional minutes to distribute throughout the game.

Replacing Hart involves more than choosing another starter.

New York must also determine how to handle its substitutions and which combinations can cover the work he usually provides. Moving a reserve into the opening lineup can change the bench group that follows, creating decisions that extend beyond the first few minutes.

Landry Shamet and Miles McBride are potential options for expanded roles. Neither should be considered a confirmed replacement starter before the Knicks announce their lineup.

The choice could depend on how New York wants to balance its opening group with the players available to lead the next unit.

Hart’s absence also places greater responsibility on the rest of the perimeter rotation to help finish defensive possessions. Guards and wings must locate opponents and pursue rebounds rather than leaving every missed shot to the frontcourt.

Offensively, the Knicks need their revised combinations to remain decisive. Holding the ball while waiting for an opening can make a changed lineup harder to manage. Moving it, cutting and attacking available space can help keep possessions organized.

Chicago has its own availability decisions.

Nic Claxton is questionable with a left hamstring strain, while Jalen Smith is probable with a left finger sprain.

Claxton’s designation leaves his participation unresolved. Smith’s probable status indicates he is more likely to play, although Chicago’s final decisions should be checked before tipoff.

Those statuses could affect the frontcourt combinations the Knicks face and how both teams distribute minutes around the basket.

For New York, preparing for multiple possibilities is part of the matchup. The Knicks cannot assume Chicago will use one particular rotation while Claxton’s status remains unsettled.

They also cannot let the Bulls’ record reduce their attention to the details. Limiting turnovers, avoiding unnecessary fouls and securing defensive rebounds remain necessary regardless of the opponent’s start.

Monday’s victory gave New York a chance to build some momentum. Following it with another win would bring the Knicks back to an even record while demonstrating they can adjust when a regular starter is unavailable.

Hart’s status is settled for Wednesday. The challenge now is spreading his responsibilities across the rotation and maintaining enough consistency to finish the homestand with another victory.