Is Josh Hart playing tonight for Knicks vs. Celtics? | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Fri, Oct 24th, 2025 by Sporting News

Josh Hart to Get His First Minutes Tonight as the Knicks Host the Celtics

The New York Knicks are gearing up to host the Boston Celtics tonight at Madison Square Garden, and a key talking point for the franchise is the return of guard Josh Hart. Hart has missed a substantial portion of the season due to a foot injury that forced him to sit out 18 games, but the Knicks’ coaching staff has cleared him to play tonight, giving him a chance to make his first appearance in a game after a long layoff.

Hart’s rehab has been gradual. He sustained a fracture in his right foot during a training‑camp drill in early October, and the injury kept him off the court for weeks as the team worked to avoid aggravating the break. After a rigorous physical therapy program and a slow re‑introduction to on‑court drills, the Knicks’ medical staff has determined he is ready to contribute. In a brief statement released this week, Hart said, “I’m feeling solid, and I’m ready to help my teammates when the coach calls on me.” The medical update came a day before the game, so the team’s decision was a last‑minute check, which suggests a cautious approach to his minutes.

The Knicks’ bench is expected to be deeper than usual for tonight. Besides Hart, the team will have a more full‑backcourt rotation with Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and new guard Brandon Ingram (if the trade that sent him to the Knicks was completed). Coach Tom Thibodeau has indicated that he may keep Hart on the floor for short bursts of play to keep him rhythmed and to add defensive intensity. Hart is known for his perimeter defense, quickness, and ability to hit mid‑range jumpers, all of which could be valuable against the Celtics’ versatile backcourt that includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart.

In a quick preview of the matchup, the Knicks are looking to improve on a 4‑4 record that has left them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Boston, meanwhile, is riding a four‑game winning streak that includes a victory over the Knicks in December. The Celtics’ high‑scoring offense and aggressive defense pose a tough challenge for the Knicks, who have struggled to contain fast‑break points and perimeter shooting this season.

The last time Hart played, he logged 19 minutes and scored 7 points in a 115‑112 loss to the Toronto Raptors in late November. That outing was one of his most productive starts after returning from injury, and it showcased his potential to contribute on both ends of the floor. Over the course of the previous season, Hart averaged 10.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 42 appearances. He was praised for his defensive versatility and his willingness to hit contested jumpers when called upon.

The Knicks’ defensive scheme has relied heavily on the ability of their frontcourt to rotate the ball and secure defensive rebounds. With Hart’s return, the coaching staff hopes to add more perimeter pressure to disrupt the Celtics’ offensive flow. In a recent interview, Thibodeau noted, “We need to bring more help defense out there. Josh can get on the ball and pressure the ball handlers. That’s going to be a game‑changer for us tonight.” The Knicks have struggled defensively, allowing opponents to average 115 points per game in the current season.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. ET, and the Knicks will look to capitalize on their home‑court advantage. With Hart back on the roster, the Knicks have an extra weapon to mix into their rotations. While he will likely see limited minutes—perhaps 8 to 10 per game—his presence can provide a defensive spark and a few extra points off the bench. The Knicks have also emphasized that they are looking for a collective effort from the entire squad to win tonight, as they try to secure a win that could help boost their playoff hopes.

For Boston, the goal will be to extend their current streak and to demonstrate the depth of their roster. Jayson Tatum has been the team's primary offensive threat, averaging 27.5 points per game this season. The Celtics will rely on their star trio and the solid play of newcomers to keep the Knicks at bay.

In summary, the Knicks are ready to welcome Josh Hart back to the court in a game that could provide him with the opportunity to prove his health and value. The matchup against the Celtics will test the Knicks’ ability to integrate Hart into their rotation and to overcome a formidable opponent. Whether Hart’s return will tilt the balance remains to be seen, but it certainly adds a layer of excitement to an already intriguing game tonight.