The New York Knicks have not gotten off to the start they would’ve liked in the Eastern Conference Finals. As things stand, they’re now 2-0 down to the Indiana Pacers heading into Game 3. And stars like Josh Hart stepping up will be crucial for the Knicks’ title hopes remaining alive.

But after the Knicks’ star point guard, Jalen Brunson, rolled his ankle in Game 2 and limped off the court, things have gotten tense in the Big Apple. Now, we know that Brunson is good to go. But what about Hart? Well, let’s look at the Knicks’ injury report to see if Hart plays alongside his friend in Game 3. (Spoiler alert – he may end up not playing because of a reason that’s unrelated to his fitness)

New York Knicks Injury Report – Will Josh Hart play tonight?

Josh Hart’s face was left bloodied in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. But thankfully, the series that saw the Knicks bounce the Boston Celtics was the only injury scare Hart’s had of late. And he’s been healthy ever since. 

So it’s not a surprise that Josh Hart isn’t on the injury report for tonight’s game. Meaning, Josh Hart is AVAILABLE to play in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers. Moreover, the Knicks have actually turned in a clean injury report for tonight’s game. There are no injured players on the Knicks’ roster as things stand.

So whether Josh Hart plays comes down to what head coach Tom Thibodeau decides. And this brings us full circle to what we talked about earlier. You see, Josh Hart may not start tonight like he has regularly during this postseason. At least according to a report from NBA Insider Ian Begley. So let’s see what’s up with that.

New York Knicks on the fence about starting Josh Hart in Game 3

Going 2-0 down after consecutive home games is a shambolic display from any team. But for one that has fans as passionate as the Knicks? It’s about the worst things you can do. And it seems the blame for their poor displays recently is falling on one man — Josh Hart. And SNY’s Ian Begley has reported that the Knicks are contemplating leaving Hart out of the starting lineup for game 3.

“Hearing the Game 3 lineup change being strongly considered by the Knicks is to move Mitchell Robinson to starting lineup and have Josh Hart come off the bench…NYK starting lineup is -50 in the postseason and -29 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Indiana has a 2-0 series lead and will host the Knicks on Sunday. Based on where things stand currently, Robinson will be starting in that game,” wrote Begley on X.

And if true, this is troubling news for Hart, who‘s yet to record double digits in points this series against the Pacers. Now, he did get 13 boards in game 1. But only 8 points in 44 minutes played simply won’t cut it for a team that wants to become champions.

Perhaps, coming off the bench is the push Hart needs to bring out his best in Game 3. And the Knicks definitely NEED Hart at his best if they want to defeat Tyrese Haliburton and this surging Pacers team. After all, beating them at home isn’t easy under any circumstances. Let alone when the Knicks are trying to recover from a 2-0 deficit!