The New York Knicks will be without Josh Hart when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. The final NBA injury report lists Hart as out with a right ankle sprain. Tipoff is set for 9 PM ET at Mortgage Matchup Center. It is a big blow for a Knicks team that leans on Hart’s defense, rebounding, and glue plays, especially on the road.

New York enters at 24–13. Phoenix is 22–15. Both teams have top-end stars and more than a few bumps and bruises. This one has the feel of a hard, tactical game, with depth and shot-making in the spotlight.

Hart ruled out: what it means for the Knicks

Hart has missed the last seven games and will sit again. He has averaged 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 made threes per game this season. Those numbers show his value beyond scoring. He crashes the glass. He keeps plays alive. He defends multiple spots. Without him, the Knicks lose a steady wing who does the small things that win close games.

New York will again ask others to fill those gaps. Jalen Brunson is the lead engine at 28.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game, with 3.1 made threes. His control in late-game sets is elite. Around him, OG Anunoby (11.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG) brings length on the perimeter. Mikal Bridges adds two-way punch at 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 made threes. Karl-Anthony Towns gives a stretch big option with 17.4 points, 9.0 boards and 1.3 made threes.

The Knicks will also miss Landry Shamet (right shoulder sprain). He has been out since Nov. 22. Trey Jemison III remains out on a G League–Two-Way designation. That trims Tom Thibodeau’s guard/wing rotation even more and puts a brighter light on role players to rebound by committee and defend without fouling.

“Without Hart, the Knicks lose their safety net on the wing.”

Suns’ status: Booker leads, Goodwin available, Green out

The Suns will not have Jalen Green, who is dealing with a right hamstring strain and is out for an extended stretch. Jamaree Bouyea remains out in concussion protocol. But there is a boost: Jordan Goodwin is listed as available with a jaw sprain and will wear a mask. Goodwin has been a solid spark at 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 threes per game. He brings energy and helps on the glass.

Devin Booker is still the headliner. He is averaging 20.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game, with 1.2 made threes. The numbers are down a bit from peak years, but his gravity still bends defenses. With Goodwin available and Green out, Phoenix will mix lineups to keep enough shooting and ball-handling on the floor.

“Goodwin in a mask feels like a sneaky X-factor for Phoenix.”

Matchup themes: glass, threes, and guard control

Rebounding without Hart. Hart’s 5.6 boards per game matter, especially on the road. The Knicks will count on Towns, Anunoby, Bridges, and the guards to box out and finish possessions. If Phoenix wins second-chance points, that could flip the game script.

Perimeter threes. New York’s spacing comes from Brunson (3.1 threes per game), Bridges (2.3), and Towns (1.3). Phoenix will counter with Booker and Goodwin, plus floor spacers around them. One hot hand can swing a quarter. One cold spell can undo a solid night of defense.

Star guard control. Brunson’s blend of pace and poise is a nightly puzzle. Booker punishes single coverage and thrives when the help is late. Both teams must show bodies early, avoid cheap fouls, and live with tough twos instead of open threes.

“If Brunson keeps cooking at 28 a night, New York still travels well.”

Numbers that shape the night

• Jalen Brunson: 28.0 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.1 RPG, 3.1 3PM
• OG Anunoby: 11.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.3 SPG, 1.2 3PM
• Mikal Bridges: 15.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.3 3PM
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 17.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.3 3PM
• Josh Hart (out): 8.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.2 3PM
• Devin Booker: 20.3 PPG, 4.8 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 3PM
• Jordan Goodwin (available): 10.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.0 3PM

These lines tell the story of roles. Brunson carries the Knicks’ offense. Bridges and Towns spread the floor. Anunoby and Hart (when healthy) drive the defense and the boards. For Phoenix, Booker must set the tone, and Goodwin’s two-way work supports the stars.

Who has the edge?

With Hart sidelined, the Knicks’ wing depth is thinner. That could show up on loose balls and long rebounds. Still, New York has enough shot creation to win late, as long as the support players hit open threes and keep turnovers low.

Phoenix will push pace in spurts and try to hunt mismatches for Booker. The Suns also need bench minutes to carry, with Green out and Bouyea shelved. Goodwin’s energy and shooting can be the swing piece if he stays efficient in his minutes.

The bottom line

The final word before tip: Josh Hart is out. The Knicks have handled short-handed spells before, but his absence changes the margins. The Suns have their own injuries, yet they get a lift with Goodwin available. Expect a tight game decided by who wins the glass, who limits second chances, and which star guard gets to his spots most often.

Records say both teams are in good form. The moment says little mistakes will decide it. In a close road game, every box-out, every rotated closeout, every smart pass matters.