Josh Hart Manages Finger and Ankle Injuries Before Knicks Opener

The New York Knicks face uncertainty over Josh Hart's availability for their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as the defending champions prepare to raise their championship banner. Hart is managing a persistent right ring finger injury that could require career-ending surgery, while a separate ankle issue has raised questions about his readiness for the opening game.

According to Heavy, Hart initially injured his right ring finger during the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers and underwent offseason surgery. He subsequently aggravated the injury during a summer scrimmage while defending Mikal Bridges, leaving the finger vulnerable to further problems.

The Athletic's Fred Katz described the finger as structurally irregular, with its bones pointing in different directions. Doctors reportedly told Hart that a full joint replacement would prevent him from continuing to play professional basketball because of the repeated physical demands of the sport.

Hart explained the limitation to Katz, saying, "You can’t have the banging, repetitive (motion). Grabbing a rebound, palming it, shooting, catching the ball, doing all that: You can’t do that. So, if I did a joint replacement, then I wouldn’t be able to play."

Rather than undergo a procedure that would end his career, Hart has continued playing with protective wrapping or stabilization around the finger. He acknowledged the difficult choices facing him if the condition worsens.

"I guess it’s either wrap it till I retire (or) cut it off. I guess that’s the other option. So that’s really the only alternative: either joint replacement, let it go, or amputation," Hart told Katz.

Heavy reported that the discomfort varies from day to day, sometimes making it painful for Hart to catch the ball. Despite the injury, he converted 41% of his three-point attempts last season, setting a career best.

A separate concern emerged before the opener when Hart sat out the Knicks' preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday because of a sore right ankle. The New York Daily News reported that Hart declined to confirm his availability following Sunday's practice.

"We’ll see in two days," Hart said when asked about his status. Asked what had caused the soreness, he responded, "Old age."

Knicks coach Mike Brown had expressed optimism that the ankle would not affect Hart's availability for the season opener. However, Hart's comments left the final decision unresolved ahead of the championship celebration and the meeting with Philadelphia.

The Knicks used Mohamed Diawara in Hart's place against Toronto. According to the NBA's official box score cited by Sports Yahoo, Diawara played 19 minutes and 56 seconds, recording six points and three rebounds. Brown had assigned him the challenging wing defensive responsibilities against Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes.

Hart's potential absence would leave New York needing to redistribute his contributions rather than rely on a single replacement. He averaged 7.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season, according to Sports Yahoo, providing production across several areas of the game.

The matchup also features a substantially reshaped Philadelphia roster. The Daily News reported that the 76ers added LeBron James in free agency and acquired Jaylen Brown in a trade, joining Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe. The teams are scheduled to meet twice in their first six games, with all four regular-season meetings set for national television.

Hart anticipated that Philadelphia would need time to establish chemistry among its new personnel. He said the Knicks, by contrast, had retained their championship core, giving them greater continuity entering the season.

"Obviously, we have the same team, but sometimes individuals’ expectations are different than what they were before," Hart said. "So it’s different. Especially a team like that, I’m sure they’re gonna have some bumpy times in the beginning of the year because they gotta get used to playing with each other.

The media at that point [will say,] ‘They should blow it up and trade everybody’ and those kinds of things. That’s kind of the world we live in."

Brown emphasized that the Knicks needed to maintain their preparation regardless of the attention surrounding the nationally televised opener. The coach previously worked with James during his first head coaching position in Cleveland.

"The reality of it, in coach talk, you want to say every game is the same," Brown said. "That’s what you try to impress upon your guys is, ‘Hey, when we step on the floor, no matter who’s in front of us, you want to give the same focus, energy and effort to the next possession in front of you.'"

Hart's condition therefore presents two separate considerations for New York: managing the chronic finger injury throughout the season and determining whether his ankle is sufficiently recovered for opening night. As of the latest reports, the Knicks had not confirmed his availability for Tuesday's game.