Knicks' Josh Hart exits early after reinjuring right ankle again

The Knicks were already banged up before Hart limped off the court with another ankle problem.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 2:55am

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New York Knicks forward Josh Hart exited early in the team's loss to the Detroit Pistons after reinjuring his right ankle. Hart has been dealing with soreness in the ankle since spraining it on Christmas, and he grabbed his ankle in pain after grabbing a rebound in the third quarter. He went to the locker room and did not return, with the team only saying it was a right ankle issue. The Knicks were already short-handed, with two other starters sitting out the game.

Why it matters

The Knicks have been dealing with a number of injuries this season, and the loss of Hart, who has been a key contributor, is another blow. The team's depth will be tested as they try to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Josh Hart grabbed a rebound about midway through the third quarter and immediately grabbed his right ankle area in pain. He went to the locker room and did not return to the game. The Knicks were already without two other starters - OG Anunoby due to toe soreness and Karl-Anthony Towns due to an eye laceration sustained in a previous game.

  • On Christmas, Josh Hart sprained his right ankle.
  • On February 6, 2026, Hart reinjured his right ankle in the third quarter of the Knicks' game against the Pistons.

The players

Josh Hart

A forward for the New York Knicks who has been dealing with a right ankle injury since spraining it on Christmas.

OG Anunoby

A starter for the Knicks who missed the game due to toe soreness.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A starter for the Knicks who missed the game due to an eye laceration sustained in a previous game.

Jalen Brunson

A Knicks player who commented on Hart's toughness and willingness to play through injury.

Mike Brown

The Knicks' head coach who discussed the team's acquisition of Jose Alvarado to help provide energy and toughness.

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What they’re saying

“He's a gamer. He's going to do whatever he can to help his team win, regardless of how he feels or whatever. It's just who he is.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks player

“He just brings a level of toughness to the team, his energy is unmatched. What he can do defensively in the full court and even in the frontcourt on the ball especially on pick-and-rolls and stuff like that, is at a pretty high level.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks head coach

What’s next

The Knicks will hope that Josh Hart's ankle injury is not too serious, and that he can return to the lineup soon. The team is also awaiting the debut of newly acquired guard Jose Alvarado, who is expected to play on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.

The takeaway

The Knicks' depth is being tested by injuries, with key players like Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns all missing time. The team's ability to overcome these challenges will be crucial as they try to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.