Jordan

Clarkson

Hart is back for the Knicks after sitting out Wednesday’s double-overtime win over the Nuggets, but they won’t have OG Anunoby (toe) or Karl-Anthony Towns (eye). As a result, Diawara and Robinson move into the starting lineup, and Jordan Clarkson has been bumped back to the bench.

Hart is good to go after a one-game absence, likely pushing Jordan Clarkson to the bench. However, there’s a chance that Clarkson remains with the starters, as OG Anunoby (toe) is a game-time decision. While Hart needs to be rostered in most fantasy leagues, Clarkson isn’t a must-stream player, regardless of league format.

McBride underwent the procedure on Friday, one day after the Knicks acquired Jose Alvarado from the Pelicans. With the reported timeline, there’s a chance the guard is available to play before the start of the postseason. While they await McBride’s return, the Knicks will rely on the combination of Alvarado (once he joins the team), Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson to fill the void.

Hart missed Wednesday’s game against Denver, which allowed Jordan Clarkson to start in his place. Clarkson scored 11 points in 24 minutes while Landry Shamet scored 16 points in 36 minutes off the bench. The duo will continue to play significant roles if Hart remains out for another game.

This injury is often referred to as a sports hernia. The Knicks just traded for Jose Alvarado, who will help make up for McBride’s absence. Alvarado should be the sixth man, while Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson will still be around to fill out some of the depth minutes when Jalen Brunson isn’t on the floor.

The Knicks don’t have Josh Hart for Wednesday’s game, as he sprained his ankle during Tuesday’s win over the Wizards. He’ll be replaced in the lineup by Clarkson, who had fallen out of the rotation before injuries pushed him into the rotation on Tuesday.

Hart may get a rest day on the second leg of New York’s back-to-back set, and with Miles McBride (ankle) already ruled out, more minutes could be available for Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet.

Hart wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he is now dealing with soreness in the same ankle that caused him to miss eight games in late December and early January. Mitchell Robinson could start in his place in a two-big lineup, though there should be extra minutes available for Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet regardless.

McBride has been sidelined since Dec. 7 but could make his return against Atlanta. Josh Hart (ankle) has been ruled out, so McBride could take on extended minutes in his first game back. Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek could lose minutes if McBride returns, though both have played well recently.

As much as Christmas Day games focus on name-brand stars, the Knicks’ bench was the difference in Thursday’s victory. Clarkson and Tyler Kolek spearheaded an 18-0 second-quarter run that erased a terrible start, and both made key plays during the second half to complete the rally. Clarkson’s 25 points are a season-high, and he’s reached double figures in four of his last five games. If Josh Hart (ankle) has to miss time, Clarkson’s opportunities will likely increase despite coming off the bench.