Josh Hart’s Surprising Return to Knicks’ Starting Lineup Could Change the Game Against Trail Blazers Sunday

Well folks, here’s a twist that’s got Knicks fans buzzing big time — Josh Hart is back in the lineup for Sunday’s showdown against the Portland Trail Blazers. After sidelining himself for eight grueling games nursing that pesky ankle injury he sustained on Christmas Day against the Cavs, Hart’s journey back has hit the home stretch. No more “questionable” tags or cautious minutes limits; he’s stepping right in like he never missed a beat. Now, trust me, that’s a sigh of relief for New York, especially since the team’s been stumbling a bit without his steady presence — a 3-5 run and a nosedive in those last six contests aren’t exactly the kind of form any squad wants while vying for conference supremacy. The 30-year-old forward’s been cooking up something special this season, averaging a respectable 14.5 points alongside 9.1 boards before fate intervened. This return could be a genuine game-changer… so buckle up! LEARN MORE

The Knicks are set to receive a big boost on Sunday night, as Josh Hart is officially available for the road meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Hart will slide right back into the starting lineup and won’t face a minutes restriction.

His return is certainly a welcomed sight for New York, as the forward has missed the last eight games with an ankle injury suffered in the win over the Cavaliers on Christmas Day.

SNY’s Ian Begley said on this week’s edition of the Putback that Hart had been “getting close,” and he was upgraded to questionable for the first time on Saturday night.

Now, the training staff has deemed he’s made enough progress for a full return.

The Knicks remain in second place in the Eastern Conference, but they struggled mightily with Hart sidelined, going 3-5 and dropping five of their last six games.

The 30-year-old had been playing some of his best basketball of the season before going down with the injury, putting together 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds over his last 15 games.