At the NBA All-Star break, the Chicago Bulls sit in tenth place in the Eastern Conference with an underwhelming 22-33 record. The Bulls rode a four-game losing streak into the break, and now face an uphill battle coming out of it.

The Bulls travel to face the New York Knicks on Thursday in Madison Square Garden. The Knicks and Bulls are trending in opposite directions, but Chicago could catch a break against a shorthanded New York squad.

The Knicks have added a few key players to the injury report against the Bulls, releasing a huge injury update for one of their stars.

Josh Hart’s injury is patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee, per the NBA injury report. He will miss tomorrow’s game vs CHI – the Knicks’ first game following the All Star break. After the CHI game on Thursday, NYK plays at Cleveland on Friday and at Boston on Sunday.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 19, 2025

The Knicks have ruled out Josh Hart for Thursday’s matchup as he deals with patellofemoral syndrome in his right knee. Hart has rarely missed time since the Knicks traded for him during the 2022-23 season, but this injury should not sideline him for too long.

Hart, 29, is averaging 14.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season, shooting 55.6% from the field. In his lone missed game this season, the Knicks still beat the Minnesota Timberwolves by 26, so his absence is not a guaranteed advantage for Chicago.

Feb 11, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Hart is the definition of a “glue guy,” so while the Knicks are still likely to beat the Bulls without him, they cannot afford to have him sidelined long-term. The Hart-less Knicks host the Bulls on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. EST.