The New York Knicks are riding high in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, but their toughest opponent might not be on the court. It could be the injury scare.
As the postseason intensifies, guard Josh Hart’s honesty about his health has become as compelling a storyline as the games themselves.
Josh Hart’s Hand Injury and Faith for Knicks
GettyJosh Hart Makes Honest Admission on Hand Injury and Knicks Health Concerns
Josh Hart prays for the Knicks’ health and protection before every game, and when his hand forced him into the locker room for X-rays during Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers, prayer was his first instinct.
Hart opened up about in the latest press conference, as per Knicks Videos:
“Nah, I mean, I don’t really believe in the luck. For me personally, I pray before every game in terms of protection for myself and my team. I just go out there and hoop. When I had the hand, I obviously walked back and got X-rays of that. I was just sitting there praying about it. You know, I mean, that’s my first go-to. I was just sitting there praying that I’m healed, praying that I’m good. I was blessed with it not being, you know, a fracture. And for what it is, I can play with it. And I was happy with that. So I never try to see something and think of the worst. It’s just a blessing.”
He was praying when he recently got imaging on his hand and notes that “for what it is, I can play with it”
As we covered earlier, Hart exited late in the third quarter in visible pain, with reporter Stefan Bondy noting on X that Hart “has hurt his left hand… he’s in a lot of pain.”
Despite that, Hart returned to log 44 minutes, finishing with five points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals in the Knicks’ 108-102 win to take a 2-0 series lead. He was later listed as questionable for Game 3 with a left thumb sprain.
Knicks’ Health Picture and What It Means for New York’s Playoff Run
GettyJosh Hart Opens Up on Hand Injury Scare: “I Was Blessed It Wasn’t a Fracture”
Hart’s availability is far beyond the personal health narrative – it is a matter that defines the whole team.
Meanwhile, OG Anunoby has also been struggling with injuries, and the defensive duo of Hart and Anunoby forms the foundation of New York’s defensive strategy.
Therefore, losing one player for a single game alters the whole series.
Encouraging OG Anunoby Update Boosts New York Knicks’ ECF Hopes
GettyOG Anunoby’s Return Could Change Everything for the Knicks
The Knicks have got an encouraging update heading into the Eastern Conference Finals in the form of OG Anunoby. The forward, who pulled a Grade 1 right hamstring strain in the 2nd game against the 76ers, was seen practicing shooting after practice at their practice facility.
SNY insider Ian Begley has stated that Anunoby is very likely to play in the first game of the ECF.
Anunoby has been averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game along with a shooting rate of 61.9% throughout this postseason. It would definitely be a big boost for New York’s title race if he returns.
Josh Hart Speaks on Hand Injury and Knicks Health Concerns