Hart had started five straight postseason games, posting 12.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 40.0 minutes, but he'll move back to a bench role Monday in favor of Quentin Grimes. However, Hart should still see a significant role off the bench, as Immanuel Quickley's (ankle) absence should open up plenty of minutes on the second unit.
... See More... See Less
Knicks' Josh Hart: Solid double-double
Rotowire
Hart finished with 15 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 38 minutes during Saturday's 105-86 loss to the Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Hart is not expected to be a driving force on offense for the Knicks, but the versatile forward usually finds a way to contribute, and Saturday's game wasn't an exception. Hart has started in each of the Knicks' last five games and doesn't figure to lose his role after scoring in double digits four times -- and grabbing at least 10 boards thrice -- in that span.
Knicks' Josh Hart: Flirts with triple-double in win
Rotowire
Hart ended Tuesday's 111-105 victory over Miami in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with 14 points (4-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-7 FT), 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal in 32 minutes.
Hart posted a team-high assist total while finishing one dime shy of a triple-double in an all-around performance in Tuesday's Game 2 victory over Miami. Hart has posted a double-double in two playoff games this year, dishing out his highest assist total of the postseason thus far.
Hart had 10 points (5-12 FG, 0-4 3Pt), eight rebounds, four assists and one block across 43 minutes during Sunday's 108-101 loss to the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Hart played the majority of the game Sunday, as the Knicks went with a very shallow rotation. While the playing time was significant, Hart was unable to produce at the same level. While tangible numbers are certainly not his calling card, he is going to need to do more on both ends of the floor, especially if Julius Randle (ankle) is forced to miss more time.
Knicks' Josh Hart: Nears 20 points in starting lineup
Rotowire
Hart produced 19 points (7-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals over 40 minutes during Sunday's 102-93 win over Cleveland in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Hart got a start with Quentin Grimes (shoulder) out in Game 4, finishing as one of three Knicks players with 15 or more points while finishing three boards shy of a double-double. Hart has hauled in 10 or more points with at least five rebounds in three of four postseason games.
... See More... See Less
Knicks' Josh Hart: Will start Sunday
Rotowire
Hart will start Sunday's Game 4 against the Cavaliers, Evan Dammarell of FearTheSword.com reports.
Hart will slide into the starting lineup with Quentin Grimes (shoulder) out. The Villanova product has been solid off the bench through the first three matchups of the opening-round series, posting 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 assists in 29.7 minutes per game.
... See More... See Less
Knicks' Josh Hart: Excellent off bench Friday
Rotowire
Hart accumulated 13 points (4-5 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist and two steals across 29 minutes during Friday's 99-79 victory over Cleveland in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Hart always brings energy on the glass and activity on defense when he comes off the bench. However, he was also highly efficient with his shot Friday and posted double-digit scoring figures for the second time in the series, as he also recorded 17 points and 10 boards in Game 1. He's averaging 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game through the first three playoff tilts.
Hart (ankle) will be active for Tuesday's Game 2 versus the Cavaliers, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.
Hart was considered expected to play, but head coach Tom Thibodeau also suggested he may be a game-time call. Ultimately, Hart will be available off the bench and will aim for a second straight double-double against the Cavs after posting 17 points and 10 boards over 33 minutes in Game 1.
Hart, who's officially listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain, is expected to play in Tuesday's Game 2 versus the Cavaliers, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Hart was upgraded to questionable Tuesday morning after initially being listed as doubtful, and it now appears he's going to play Tuesday after spraining his left ankle Sunday. However, fantasy managers are still encouraged to confirm his availability ahead of the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff. Hart was fantastic off the bench in Game 1, posting 17 points (8-11 FG) and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes.
... See More... See Less
Knicks' Josh Hart: Receives upgrade to questionable
Rotowire
Hart (ankle) has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Game 2 versus the Cavaliers on Tuesday, Danny Cunningham of ESPN Cleveland reports.
While Hart initially looked to be heading toward a DNP, his upgrade has him trending in the right direction as the 7:30 p.m. ET opening tipoff approaches. If cleared, Hart should play a key bench role for the Knicks and will aim to follow up a double-double in Game 1 with another strong performance Tuesday.
