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Josh Hart of the New York Knicks takes a shot against the LA Clippers in the first half.
The New York Knicks could be without one of their most important two-way players when they continue their Western Conference road trip.
Josh Hart is listed as questionable with left knee soreness ahead of Wednesday’s matchup against the Utah Jazz, according to the NBA’s official injury report.
Hart’s availability comes into focus as the Knicks attempt to regroup following a 126–118 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, a defeat that marked New York’s third loss in its last four games.
Josh Hart Injury Update Clouds Knicks-Jazz Matchup
GettyJosh Hart of the New York Knicks is questionable to play against the Utah Jazz.
Hart remains one of the Knicks’ most reliable players in coach Tom Thibodeau’s rotation, often logging heavy minutes while contributing across the stat sheet.
Against the Clippers, Hart delivered another productive performance despite the loss, recording a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
The versatile forward also logged 37 minutes, his highest workload since playing 41 minutes in an overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers on Feb. 10.
Turnovers were an issue for New York, however. Hart was among four Knicks players who committed at least three turnovers during the game.
Still, his relentless activity remained evident throughout the contest.
Knicks Rally Falls Short in Loss to Clippers
New York fell behind by as many as 15 points before mounting a comeback attempt late in the game.
Encouraged by loud chants of “Let’s go Knicks!” from fans inside the Intuit Dome, the Knicks cut the deficit with a 17–9 run late in the third quarter.
Jalen Brunson led the surge, scoring six straight points as New York trimmed the gap to 88–81 entering the fourth quarter.
The Knicks pulled within five points three separate times in the final four minutes, but the Clippers answered each push to seal the victory.
Knicks Hoping Josh Hart Can Play Through Knee Soreness
Hart has already navigated injury concerns during the Knicks’ current road swing.
Earlier in the trip, he was listed as questionable with a lower back contusion before New York’s game against the Denver Nuggets.
Hart ultimately played and made a strong impact in that contest, finishing with 18 points, five rebounds and two assists in a 142–103 blowout win over Denver.
The Knicks are hopeful he will again be able to suit up against Utah.
The Jazz enter Wednesday’s matchup riding momentum after their 119–116 win over the Golden State Warriors, who were without Stephen Curry.
Josh Hart Emphasizes Energy and Recovery During Long NBA Season
In a recent interview with Heavy Sports, Hart spoke candidly about the physical toll his all-out playing style can take over the course of an NBA season.
“You know, bringing that energy is what I do,” Hart said. “But at times it’s tiring and exhausting. So making sure I’m back to 100% or as close as I can be in games is vital.”
Hart’s relentless hustle — chasing rebounds, defending multiple positions and pushing the pace in transition — has made him one of the Knicks’ most valuable role players.
But maintaining that intensity requires constant preparation.
Knicks Preparing for Deep Playoff Push
Expectations in New York remain high following last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Hart said the team’s mindset reflects those ambitions.
“We’re looking to make runs in the playoffs,” he said.
Preparing for that type of postseason run requires thinking beyond the standard 82-game schedule.
“You’re not just preparing for 82 games,” Hart explained. “You’re preparing for potentially 95 to 100 games.”
Josh Hart’s Leadership Growing in Knicks Locker Room
Hart’s influence inside the Knicks locker room has also expanded in recent seasons.
Known early in his career as a lead-by-example player, Hart says he has grown more comfortable taking on a vocal leadership role.
“I’ve always kind of been more of a lead-by-example kind of guy,” Hart told Heavy Sports. “But the last couple of years, I’ve been more confident being vocal.”
On a roster filled with strong personalities and star talent, Hart believes communication and connection are essential.
“For me, I’m trying to be the guy that connects everyone,” he said. “Mentally seeing where guys are. If they need a play call, if they need a touch, if they need a shot.”
Hart also emphasized the importance of building relationships beyond the court.
“There’s a lot of ups and downs in a season,” he said. “So just continuing to build those relationships off the court helps keep guys locked in.”
As the Knicks continue their road trip, Hart’s status could play a significant role in determining whether New York can regain momentum against Utah.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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