New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (Image via Getty) Josh Hart will not play for the New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve. The team has ruled him out for Tuesday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs on December 31, 2025, because of a right ankle sprain.Hart has now missed several games, and his absence continues to affect a Knicks team already dealing with a thin rotation. The matchup comes late in a long road trip, making depth and effort even more important. Hart’s role this season has gone beyond scoring. His rebounding, defense, and ability to play heavy minutes have been difficult to replace.
How Josh Hart’s injury happened
The injury occurred on Christmas Day against Cleveland. Josh Hart rolled his right ankle while driving to the basket after stepping on an opponent’s foot. He stayed on the floor long enough to take his free throws but was clearly limited and headed to the locker room shortly after.Medical tests later confirmed a sprain that would keep him out for multiple games. Since then, Hart has missed road games in Atlanta and New Orleans. The team has not given a clear return date and plans to re-evaluate him once the Knicks are back home.
Josh Hart’s Official status for Tuesday night vs San Antonio Spurs (December 31, 2025)
The NBA’s injury report released at 12:45 PM ET on December 31 lists Josh Hart as “Out” for the 7:00 PM ET tipoff in San Antonio. With him unavailable, head coach Tom Thibodeau is expected to lean more on bench players such as Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson.Hart’s absence is most noticeable on the boards. He has been one of the team’s most reliable rebounders despite playing on the wing, often finishing games with double-digit rebounds. Without him, the Knicks lose a key source of second-chance opportunities and defensive stops.
New York Knicks injury report vs Antonio Spurs (December 31, 2025)
New York Knicks enter the game with several players either sidelined or limited: • Mitchell Robinson: Out (left ankle injury management) • Landry Shamet: Out (right shoulder sprain) • Ariel Hukporti: Questionable (lip laceration) • Tyler Kolek: Probable (right ankle soreness)PlayerStatusInjury Josh Hart Out Right ankle sprain Mitchell Robinson Out Left ankle management Landry Shamet Out Right shoulder sprain Ariel Hukporti Questionable Lip laceration Tyler Kolek Probable Right ankle soreness
San Antonio Spurs injuries and game impact vs New York Knicks (December 31, 2025)
San Antonio will also be short-handed. Devin Vassell is out with a left adductor strain, while Stephon Castle is questionable with a left thumb sprain. Even so, the focus will be on Victor Wembanyama, who could have a strong night without Hart’s physical defense on the floor.For the Knicks, more responsibility falls on Jalen Brunson and the remaining starters. Without Hart’s minutes, New York will need steady execution and team rebounding to close out 2025 with a road win.