Shamet Has Strongest Case to Replace Hart in Knicks’ Starting Five

Hart’s ankle soreness could keep him out of New York’s Wednesday matchup with Chicago. The Knicks could turn to several reserves to fill his place in the starting lineup, but Landry Shamet has the strongest case after an impressive recent performance, the team’s assessment suggests.

Shamet scored 22 points against the Nets on Monday, making six of eight shots and four of six three-pointers. Coach Mike Brown has used him as a key reserve, including when Mikal Bridges has sat. Starting Shamet would add shooting around Karl-Anthony Towns, while Bridges, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby have not scored consistently, the report noted.

Jordan Clarkson is another possibility. He scored 18 points off the bench against Chicago last Wednesday, and his rebounding and defense could help compensate for Hart’s absence. The teams average 47.0 and 45.3 rebounds per game for New York and Chicago, respectively. Chicago’s Nic Claxton could also make his season debut, adding to the challenge on the boards.

McBride offers a defensive option. He scored 20 points, including six three-pointers, in 30 minutes on October 23, but has reached double figures only once in another game this season. He could be useful against Norman Powell and Josh Giddey, though his recent production makes him a risk.

Shamet is the likeliest choice, but Brown could instead make an unexpected move, with Tyler Kolek, Jose Alvarado and Mohamed Diawara among the other possibilities.