Josh Hart returned to the New York Knicks lineup on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, after missing eight consecutive games due to a right ankle sprain. His return came on the road in Portland, Ore., where the Knicks secured a 123-114 victory over the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center.
- Josh Hart returned on Jan. 11, 2026, after missing eight games with a right ankle sprain and played 31 minutes in the Knicks’ 123-114 win in Portland.
- The Knicks went 1-5 during Hart’s absence, losing pace, defensive consistency, and overall flow.
- With Hart back, the Knicks closed the game effectively, including a final stretch played without Karl-Anthony Towns.
Josh Hart Misses Eight Games After Christmas Day Ankle Sprain
Josh Hart sprained his right ankle on Christmas Day and said he heard it pop at the moment of the injury. The sprain sidelined him for eight consecutive games, a stretch in which the Knicks experienced their most difficult period of the season, losing five of six games and struggling to maintain their pace, defensive consistency, and overall flow.
Hart said the team’s struggles influenced his decision to return.
“If we were on a good little run, I’d have taken a couple more days, couple more games,” Hart said. “I felt I could come in and help where I’m at right now.”
He also explained why he felt comfortable playing while not fully healed.
“I always feel if I’m banged up a little bit and I go out there and play and get the movement and all that it helps me heal faster,” Hart said.
Hart initially planned to return for the Knicks’ game against the Clippers but decided against it after reassessing how his ankle felt.
Knicks Enter Portland at 25-14 With Hart Listed as Questionable
The Knicks entered the game with a 25-14 record, while Portland stood at 19-21. Hart was listed as questionable before tipoff, and New York had gone 3-5 during the games he missed.
Sportsbooks accounted for Hart’s uncertain status. The opening spread listed the Knicks as roughly five-point road favorites before moving to around Knicks -4.5 at DraftKings. The total settled near 229.5 points, with the Knicks’ moneyline near -198 and Portland around +160.
Action Network reported that the Knicks ranked 28th in defensive rating over their previous 15 games and 19th for the season. On the Portland side, Jrue Holiday, who had been out since Nov. 14 with a right calf strain, was upgraded to questionable and expected to be on a minutes restriction if he played. Action Network analyst Alex Hinton listed Trail Blazers +4.5 (-105) as a best bet.
Hart Scores Eight Points in First Four Minutes and Sets Early Pace
Once play began, Hart set the tone quickly. He scored eight points in the first four minutes as Portland left him open on the perimeter. The Blazers frequently assigned a center to defend him, which allowed Hart to bring the ball up the floor without pressure and eased the early workload on Jalen Brunson.
“I think there was certain situations when I was out, like the San Antonio game, where they’re blitzing JB, and I’d be able to help,” Hart said.
Hart Plays 31 Minutes as Knicks Close Without Karl-Anthony Towns
Hart played 31 minutes and finished with 18 points, six assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. He shot 7-for-15 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range, while committing four turnovers and four fouls.
Karl-Anthony Towns was subbed out with 9:24 remaining in the fourth quarter and did not return. Over the final five minutes, the Knicks outscored the Trail Blazers 20-10.
With 2:55 remaining, Hart jumped a passing lane for a steal and converted a breakaway layup to push the Knicks’ lead to 10 points. In the final 90 seconds, he added a 12-foot jumper.
OG Anunoby scored 24 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter and 10 in the final 4:15. Mitchell Robinson collected six offensive rebounds. Every Knicks starter, including Towns, scored at least 18 points. New York held Portland to 54 points in the second half.
Locker Room Response and Record With Hart in the Lineup
After the game, teammates pointed to Hart’s influence on the floor.
“His energy is contagious,” Brunson said.
Head coach Mike Brown focused on Hart’s impact beyond the box score.
“Josh does so many little things,” Brown said. “A lot of our guys are irreplaceable and especially a guy like Josh.”
Before his injury, the Knicks were 11-3 in games Hart started. Following the win in Portland, they improved to 12-3 in those games. During his absence, the team went 3-5. The victory brought New York to 5-5 over its last 10 games. Landry Shamet remained sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Futures odds listed the Knicks at approximately +1200 to win the NBA championship at DraftKings and FanDuel, +1300 at BetMGM, and +1400 at Caesars. Jalen Brunson appeared on MVP boards at +2000 at PointsBet.
“I don’t think there’s pressure when I’m coming back,” Hart said. “It’d probably be more pressure if we were on a five-game winning streak.”
