Is Josh Hart playing tonight? Knicks vs. Hawks 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 6 injury report

The New York Knicks will attempt to close out the Atlanta Hawks during Game 6 of their first-round series on Thursday. They could be without Josh Hart for the matchup.

Hart is questionable on Thursday due to a lower back contusion. The 31-year-old played 30 minutes during the Knicks’ decisive Game 6 win on Tuesday, posting nine points, five rebounds and four assists on 3-of-8 shooting.

Hart has struggled offensively during the series, averaging 9.4 points while shooting 17-of-46 (37.0 percent) from the field and 3-of-19 (15.8 percent) from three. However, he’s played a key role in slowing down Hawks star Jalen Johnson defensively.

Josh Hart injury status vs. Hawks

Hart has been the Knicks’ primary defender on Johnson, who is on track to earn an All-NBA selection this season. New York has held the 6-foot-8 forward to 19.2 points per game on 42.9 percent shooting from the field and 26.9 percent from three. The Knicks have won Hart’s minutes by 46 points across their five playoff games against the Hawks.

Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado could see expanded minutes off the bench if Hart is unable to play on Thursday. Alvarado posted 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 from three in 12 minutes during Game 4. Meanwhile, McBride and Clarkson each delivered impact performances earlier in the series.

The Knicks are 2.5-point favorites over the Hawks in Game 6, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Atlanta will remain with backup center Jock Landale (right high ankle sprain) during the matchup. They have no other players on their injury report.

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