Josh

Hart

The Knicks will have their do-it-all wing available for Thursday’s contest, as they attempt to close out the Hawks. Hart has played in all five games of the opening-round series, averaging 9.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He’ll likely start and play an important role on both ends of the floor.

Hart is dealing with a lower back contusion, calling into question his availability for Game 5. However, given what’s on the lineup and his importance to the Knicks, it would be shocking if Hart was not on the floor as New York looks to close out the Hawks.

After getting little production from Hart of Mikal Bridges in Game 3 on Thursday, the Knicks received better efforts from both in Game 4. Hart finished one rebound shy of a double-double, while Bridges (eight points, two rebounds and one assist in 19 minutes) hit a couple of shots early and was nowhere near the liability that he was in Game 3. The Knicks will look to take a 3-2 series lead on Tuesday in New York.

Hart has recorded double-doubles in each of the Knicks’ first two games of this postseason, while also doing an admirable job of defending Atlanta star forward Jalen Johnson. In Game 2, the Knicks forward’s stat line was missing only a blocked shot, and he shot nearly 50 percent from the field. Hart and the Knicks will look to regain the momentum when the series shifts to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday.

Hart did a little bit of everything in Game 1, with his stat line only lacking a three-pointer and a blocked shot. The Knicks’ wing exercised discretion as a scorer and was most effective as a rebounder. All 14 of Hart’s rebounds came on the defensive end, helping to eliminate second-chance opportunities for the Hawks. Add in the assists and steals, and this was a fine start to the series for Hart.

The Knicks secured the No. 3 seed with their win over the Raptors on Friday, so the only starter who will play on Sunday is Mikal Bridges due to his streak of consecutive games played. Anunoby was injured during the first half of Friday’s game, with Landry Shamet replacing him in the lineup. Shamet and Jordan Clarkson may see boosts to their minutes, and Pacôme Dadiet should play more since there isn’t anything on the line seeding-wise.

If the Celtics were going to give up anything defensively on Thursday, it was going to be Josh Hart’s three-point attempts. Unfortunately for Boston, the strategy backfired, as he shot 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, including two fourth-quarter daggers. The 26 points were the most in a game for Hart since he scored 33 in a March 17 win over the Pacers. Boston wasn’t the first time to take that defensive approach with Hart, and they won’t be the last. And if he can make teams pay consistently, his and the Knicks’ ceilings will be raised.

With no Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow), Robinson made his return to action as a starter after sitting out Wednesday’s win over the Grizzlies. He did most of his damage before halftime, finishing the first half with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Robinson was also responsible for three defensive contributions in his 23 minutes. Josh Hart also reached double figures in rebounds, grabbing 11 to go along with seven points and four assists. The Knicks play four games in Week 24 for managers whose leagues will remain active.

Hart, who made nine consecutive three-pointers before missing one during Thursday’s defeat, has upped his fantasy output recently. Over the past two weeks, the Knicks’ forward has provided second-round value in eight-cat formats. Hart’s stat line against the Hornets only lacked a blocked shot, but that doesn’t matter much when you record five steals.

Shamet, who exited Friday’s win over the Nets after banging knees with an opposing player, will miss a second consecutive game. Josh Hart (knee) returned to the lineup on Sunday and is off the injury report; he’ll take on his usual starting duties. Mohamed Diawara should once again absorb most of the minutes that would normally go to Shamet.