The New York Knicks could be without Josh Hart for Wednesday night's matchup against the Chicago Bulls, while veteran center Nic Claxton is nearing his season debut after missing Chicago's first seven games.
As the Knicks (3-4) prepare to conclude their two-game homestand against the Bulls (1-6) at 7:30 p.m. ET, both teams face injury concerns ahead of their second meeting of the season.
New York's injury report lists Hart as questionable with right ankle soreness, putting his availability in doubt as the reigning NBA champions look to build momentum following Monday's victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Hart has appeared in all seven games this season, averaging 8.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.1 steals while playing approximately 32 minutes per contest.
The veteran guard finished with eight points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals in Monday's 103-90 victory over Brooklyn, helping New York secure its third win of the season.
Hart's rebounding, defensive versatility and playmaking remain important components of the Knicks' rotation, making his potential absence a concern against Chicago.
Watch Knicks-Bulls LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Nic Claxton could make Bulls debut against Knicks
Chicago, meanwhile, has listed Claxton as questionable with a left hamstring strain after upgrading his status on Tuesday's injury report.
The veteran center has yet to appear in a regular-season game for the Bulls, but his potential return would provide additional size and interior defense to a team that has struggled through its opening seven contests.
The Bulls also listed center Jalen Smith as probable with a left finger sprain, giving Chicago another frontcourt injury to monitor ahead of Wednesday's matchup.
Article Continues BelowLast season with the Brooklyn Nets, Claxton averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks across 69 games while shooting 57.1% from the field. He started 68 contests and averaged 27.8 minutes per game.
His potential debut comes at an important time for Chicago, which enters Wednesday having lost six of its first seven games.
The Bulls suffered a 126-107 loss Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, led by LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, while New York enters the matchup looking to win its second consecutive game.
The Knicks previously defeated Chicago 133-127 last Wednesday and will look to complete another victory over their Eastern Conference opponent at Madison Square Garden.
Both teams will continue monitoring their injured players ahead of Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff.