New York Knicks fans experienced a moment of panic before breathing a sigh of relief when star forward Josh Hart suffered a non-contact injury during the team’s preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on October 2, 2025. What initially appeared to be a serious setback has since been clarified as nothing more than lower back soreness, with encouraging updates suggesting Hart will be fine after some rest and evaluation.

What Happened New York Knick’s Josh Hart in the Preseason Opener?

The scare happened early in the second quarter while Josh Hart was fighting for a rebound off a missed shot by Sixers rookie Johni Broome. After grabbing the ball, Hart awkwardly tumbled to the floor without any contact from an opponent. The fall left him in visible pain as he clutched his lower back. Frustrated, Hart hurled the ball into the stands while still on the ground, which not only drew a technical foul but also resulted in his ejection from the game.

Before the incident, Josh Hart had managed to contribute two points, three rebounds, and one assist in just seven minutes of play. Philadelphia’s head coach Nick Nurse admitted that his initial reaction was one of alarm, saying the fall made it seem like Hart was badly hurt. The New York Knicks’ medical team quickly escorted Hart to the locker room for further assessment, and he did not return – though his absence was due to the ejection rather than the injury itself.

Latest Update on Josh Hart’s Injury Status Ahead of Upcoming Games

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown eased fan concerns after the game, labeling the issue as “lower back soreness” and clarifying Hart’s status as day-to-day. Brown also stressed that the injury was non-contact in nature and not indicative of anything serious. NBA insider Brian Windhorst echoed that sentiment, noting Hart’s removal from the contest stemmed solely from the ejection. Hart himself later lightened the mood by posting a playful social media clip referencing a back injury scene from a comedy film, showing his spirits were intact.

This latest scare comes as Josh Hart continues to manage a separate concern – his surgically repaired right ring finger. The forward underwent a procedure over the summer and will wear a splint throughout the upcoming season. Despite these challenges, Hart’s determination to play through pain reflects his value as one of the New York Knicks’ most dependable players.

Hart was the NBA’s leader in minutes played last season and proved instrumental in New York’s deep run to the Eastern Conference Finals. His relentless defense, versatility, and offensive presence are considered vital to the team’s ambitions of capturing their first NBA championship since 1973.

With championship hopes high heading into the 2025–26 season, the Knicks will be cautious in monitoring Josh Hart’s health while ensuring he remains ready for the long haul. For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that the setback was minor and that the team’s durable two-way star is expected to return soon.