Knicks opened the preseason with a 99-84 win over the 76ers, but Josh Hart’s night ended early after a hard fall and an ejection, stirring health chatter around a key two‑way wing.

Windhorst later suggested the exit was tied to the ejection, not a serious back issue, leaving Knicks updates in the next few days as the true barometer for early-season plans and rotation depth. Hart’s value remains tied to his defense, hustle, and a steady offensive role that has been central to New York’s floor and energy since the Portland trade.

Hart's preseason debut for the Knicks in Abu Dhabi ended early after a non-contact injury scare and a ball tossed into the stands, resulting in a technical and ejection. He finished with 2 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist in about seven minutes as New York tests rotations behind a Towns–Robinson pairing, while nursing a right ring finger splint.

Brown will methodically shape the lineup as New York pursues a title, with Hart’s versatility remaining central whether he starts or comes off the bench and health monitoring as regular-season prep continues.

Knicks and 76ers arrive in Abu Dhabi for a preseason doubleheader, greeted by a festive, desert backdrop that underlines the NBA’s growing international footprint. The trip blends culture with competition, featuring camel rides, falcon imagery, and a mosque setting that framed team photos and social moments.

Off the court, veterans and coaches—Patrick Ewing, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart with the Knicks; Kyle Lowry and Nick Nurse with the 76ers—stayed in game-ready mode, even toying with golf as a conditioning and rhythm-building tool. The scenes hint at early-season rotation signals and leadership dynamics that fantasy managers will want to watch as rosters cohere abroad and back home.

Knicks plan a patient, minutes-aware approach for a long season, prioritizing rest and a balanced rotation over chasing every close game. In preseason, expect a nine-to-ten man core sharing time, with stars spared for late stretches. Hart embraces accountability after a tough playoff run, Towns stresses leadership and system fit, and Bridges touts depth and trust. A finger splint issue for Hart adds a small hurdle before Abu Dhabi practices.