Knicks Without Hart, Robinson; Towns Questionable

The New York Knicks will open their season without Josh Hart (ruled out with lumbar spasms after slipping in the preseason opener) and Mitchell Robinson (out for left-ankle load management following multiple surgeries). Robinson — who played just 17 games last season — will be carefully load-managed, and coach Mike Brown has not yet named a starter. With Hart and Robinson sidelined, reserve Ariel Hukporti (or another backup) is expected to fill in at center alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, who is listed as questionable with a right quad strain. The Cleveland Cavaliers will also be without Darius Garland and Max Strus. The absences leave the Knicks shorthanded for the season opener and raise early-season availability questions about Robinson’s role.