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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 25: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks grabs a rebound against CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks could realistically be forced into a major starting lineup adjustment as they take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their NBA Playoffs series. Due to an injury during Game 5 on Tuesday April 28, 2026, starter Josh Hart remains listed as ‘questionable’ on the Knicks’ official roster for tonight’s matchup.

Should Hart be sidelined as New York continues to make their bid for playoff advancement out of the first round, then a suitable replacement will be needed. For a dependable and talented player to take Hart’s spot on the court for tipoff tonight, there’s one standout teammate who can do the job, per Daily Knicks.

The New York Knicks Must Have a Contingency Plan to Replace Josh Hart in Starting Lineup for Game 6 Against The Atlanta Hawks

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 23: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks react after he is charged with a foul againstOnyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter of game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Fortunately for the NY Knicks, there’s a worthy replacement for Josh Hart in the starting lineup in Miles McBride. In the aftermath of Hart suffering a lower back contusion during Game 5 earlier this week, attention has quickly shifted to McBride as the player most likely to step into a larger role during one of the biggest and most critical games of the year given that the Knicks’ playoff advancement could be decided by the outcome of tonight’s game.

Entering Game 6 with a 3-2 playoff record for the series places the Knicks in a precarious position as they’re presented with an opportunity to eliminate the Hawks and continue their own playoff run should they secure a win this evening. However, Josh Hart’s possible absence creates a significant challenge for head coach Mike Brown as he’ll have to factor in the best way to compensate for the loss of one of his starters. Hart has routinely defended multiple positions and has been heavily involved in slowing down Atlanta’s perimeter attack, so there’s a lot at stake when selecting the best replacement for a potentially sidelined Hart. This is where McBride becomes a critical asset to be utilized in Hart’s absence.

Here’s Why Miles “Deuce” McBride is a Suitable Replacement for Josh Hart in the Game 6 Starting Lineup for the NY Knicks

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks dribbles during the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Known by fans as “Deuce,” Miles McBride has built a reputation as one of the New York Knicks’ toughest on-ball defenders. The 25-year-old guard has battled through injuries of his own this season after undergoing sports hernia surgery earlier in the year, but he has continued to play meaningful playoff minutes despite expressed lingering discomfort, according to Yahoo! Sports. His ability to physically rebound from periodic pain during his recovery has garnered a significant amount of praise as he’s continued to contribute to New York’s success despite his own personal setbacks.

Standing at 6-foot-2-inches, Miles McBride has been observed to give up height against bigger scorers that Hart usually handles, but that isn’t reason to rule him out as a worthy candidate for Hart’s starting spot. As reported by Daily Knicks, the use of McBride to replace Josh Hart in the NY Knicks’ starting lineup as the NBA Playoffs progress is a scenario which fans are in support of – with many fans ‘pining’ for more appearances of McBride as a starter for the Knicks.

Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining