The new-look NY Knicks opened their account with an impressive win over their postseason rivals, Indiana Pacers. The buzz surrounding the thumping 123-98 win didn’t fade away yet, as Jalen Brunson & Co. produced an all-round effort, with four players scoring above 20 points. Amid this situation, the Madison Square Garden has another opportunity to witness the magic in the Monday night game against the Cavaliers. But the questions be, will Josh Hart play tonight?

The 29-year-old forward had a difficult preseason, struggled to find his rhythm in the newly formed frontcourt with Karl-Anthony Towns. In his four appearances, he managed to score only 2 points, and went scoreless on three occasions. It went down so badly that he even decided to bench himself, saying, “I’m lost. I have no idea. There’s a couple days before Boston. So whether that’s trying to get a rhythm with that starting unit or we give somebody else a look and my role changes and comes off the bench and go with that unit.”

However, Josh Hart found his rhythm at the right time. In the last game against the Pacers, he scored 20 points with 10 rebounds. But this impressive performance came along with a setback. He further an ankle injured and proceeded to play, limping throughout the 37 minutes. Indeed, creating an impactful performance on both ends of the court. Following the game, the team has listed Hart in the Questionable category owing to his right ankle impingement.

Losing Josh Hart in the starting lineup could be a huge drawback for the Knicks fold, considering the intensity that he brings on the defensive end. Even if Miles McBride can take charge of that position, he can’t effectively translate the rebounding skills that Hart carries. Notably, the injury report has also added McBride in the Questionable category due to left knee hyperextension.

Knicks starting line and depth chart without Josh Hart

With Mitchell Robinson already out with ankle injury, the team’s front court lacked depth. And now, with Precious Achiuwa sidelined with strained left hamstring, Towns may have to carry the load all by himself. Moreover, Mikal Bridges will to change his position to the frontcourt to cover for Hart.

Importantly, this has been the Knicks since last season. After Julius Randle and Robinson missed out on the majority of the season, the Knicks’ front court was left stranded. It was Josh Hart, who punched in extra minutes and helped the team reach the playoffs. Now that the Josh himself is out of action, let’s look at the projected starting line-up and depth chart of the Knicks.

With 5 players listed on the injury report, the Knicks already look very vulnerable. Considering Josh Hart’s effort from the previous season, the star forward might play through the injury. Nevertheless, the Knicks lack depth in the attack as they take on the Cavs. Who do you think will win the contest tonight? Let us know in the comments.