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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 25: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks reacts after being charged with a technical foul against 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 are heading into a pivotal Game 6 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs tonight as they resume their series against the Atlanta Hawks. As the Knicks prepare to make a convincing bid for advancement as they continue their playoff run, they can use every bit of luck they can get on their side. Unfortunately, an untimely injury to starter Josh Hart is currently headlining their injury report and is likely to cause a major disruption to tonight’s starting lineup.
While the starting lineup won’t be fully solidified until just before game time, the Knicks are having to make contingency plans if Hart is actually unable to start tonight’s matchup – or if he’s sidelined for the entirety of the game. As tipoff nears, here are the most likely starting lineup scenarios for the NY Knicks.
The Most Likely New York Knicks Starting Lineup For Game 6 Against Atlanta Hawks With Josh Hart Sidelined
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)
The ideal starting lineup for the New York Knicks would see their present starters on the court at tipoff. These players include:
- Jalen Brunson, the star point guard on the NY Knicks roster this season
- Mikal Bridges, a small forward and shooting guard
- Josh Hart, a small forward and shooting guard
- Karl-Anthony Towns, the roster’s rising star center and power forward
- OG Anunoby, both a power forward and a small forward
Josh Hart has officially been listed as questionable on New York’s injury report as of a few hours before the Game 6 tipoff. He was added onto the list of injured players on the Knicks’ roster after suffering a lower back contusion during Game 5 on Tuesday April 28, 2026. If he can’t play in tonight’s game, then the Knicks will be on the line for a suitable replacement who can carry them through on their playoff run.
Should Hart in fact be unable to start in Game 6 as the NY Knicks take on the Atlanta Hawks, then his most likely replacement on the starting lineup would be Miles McBride, as reported by Daily Knicks.
The New York Knicks will take on the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Thursday April 30, 2026 with a game start time of 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM PT. The matchup will be able to be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and NBC’s Peacock platform, in addition to being officially broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and NBC.
Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining