Knicks Face Hawks Without Injured Josh Hart

The New York Knicks will travel to Atlanta on Saturday to face the Hawks at State Farm Arena without forward Josh Hart, who has been ruled out due to a right ankle sprain sustained in their Christmas Day victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The injury occurred late in the Knicks' 126-124 win at Madison Square Garden, as Hart drove to the basket in the fourth quarter, rolled his ankle on contact with Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, and made two free throws before limping to the locker room amid a standing ovation from the home crowd. Hart finished with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 26 minutes.

Hart's absence represents a notable setback for the Knicks, who hold a 21-9 record and sit second in the Eastern Conference. The 29-year-old has been a cornerstone of New York's lineup since entering the starting five on November 24, helping the team go 13-3 in those games. He averages 12.3 points, eight rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game this season, offering versatility on defense and the boards that has fueled the Knicks' recent surge. With Hart sidelined, coach Tom Thibodeau is expected to lean on increased minutes from guard Tyler Kolek, who has impressed off the bench,...