The New York Knicks were wounded in their first preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers. They won, but in the second quarter, Josh Hart went to the ground in what looked like a non-contact injury. The generally robust forward stayed on the floor for several minutes, feeling discomfort in his back. Mike Brown may not have seen it closely, but it caused some worry.

The Knicks listed him as day-to-day. Hart’s injury is listed as lower back soreness, which isn’t a serious ailment. But with the preseason just starting and mounting pressure on the team to find success this season, Brown may not want to risk losing a vital contributor for the game. Hence, Josh Hart won’t be playing today due to back spasms.

The decision seems practical. Hart is already nursing a finger injury that will require him to wear a splint all season long. Moreover, back injuries have the potential to grow worse if not addressed on time. Josh Hart is an integral part of the Knicks’ system, whom Brown will rely upon heavily during the regular season. Resting him eliminates the risk of a back injury sparking again during an 82-game season.

It’s also beneficial for Hart. The relentless forward has shifted to the bench, allowing Mitchell Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns to start games together. Watching a game could help him decipher his exact expectations for the season, providing some clarity. Hart is open to doing whatever it takes for the Knicks to be successful.

He did joke about requesting a trade if he wasn’t a starter. But the truth is, Josh Hart is an energizer who can shift games coming off the bench. Surrounded by friends on the team, he is playing his best basketball in New York. The dilemma in front of Brown now is who makes up for Hart’s minutes.

How can the Knicks replace Josh Hart tonight?

Generally, teams don’t push their rotations in preseason. Coaches use them minimally so that players can adapt to the changes. Mike Brown followed a similar strategy in the opener. However, with Josh Hart absent for tonight’s rematch against the Philadelphia 76ers, will one of the Knicks’ starters have to play longer minutes? Maybe not.

A positive for the Knicks is the return of OG Anunoby. The Knicks wing sat in the first game due to a sprained left hand. After being listed as day-to-day, Anunoby is ready for his first start. Sophomore Pacome Dadiet will shift to the bench, essentially replacing all of Josh Hart’s minutes. Furthermore, the Knicks have depth this season.

Veterans Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon put up great shifts on Thursday. Additionally, Guerschon Yabusele could also play extended minutes to supplement Hart’s role. The priority for Mike Brown in the preseason is to get the team accustomed to his new style of play. He wants to push the ball up the floor and use each game to grow.

“It being the first time we’ve seen another colored jersey, and so at times we looked a little confused – a lot of times – but we will be better. It was great because our guys got a taste of how fast we need to play. And they know we still have to take it three or four more notches,” he said about their preseason debut.

The Abu Dhabi heat is arguably the perfect test for the Knicks’ conditioning. So, even without Josh Hart, expect the Knicks to show some improvements tonight, as they aim to have a perfect preseason record.