Why Josh Hart isn't playing for Knicks with injury news

The New York Knicks open the season with a stern test.

They take on the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, and they'll be shorthanded when they do so.

Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson are both missing for the Knicks. It's not an ideal situation at all.

Hart had a great 2024-25 season, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

The Knicks will look forward to getting that production back, but they don't have it yet.

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Why isn't Josh Hart playing?

Josh Hart is missing the start of the 2025-26 NBA season due to injury.

He was ruled out earlier this week due to a lower back injury.

Hart hurt his back when he slipped on the court in the preseason opener. He's officially ruled out for the season opener due to lumbar spasms.

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His starting lineup spot was actually pretty tied to Robinson. Last year in the Eastern Conference finals, Robinson moved into the starting lineup when Tom Thibodeau moved Hart to the bench.

In that preseason opener, Robinson started and Hart came off the bench.

For the regular season opener, the Knicks are going with the two-big lineup even without Robinson. Ariel Hukporti is starting at center alongside Karl-Anthony Towns.

New guy Jordan Clarkson will likely get all the bench run he can handle without Hart available.

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