Tyler Kolek

Hart popped up as questionable for personal reasons Thursday afternoon. While it's unclear what those reasons might be, his status for Thursday's game is also up in the air as it's hard to gauge what his chances of suiting up are. Hart averages 36 minutes per game, but it's unclear who would benefit most from his absence. Miles McBride or even Tyler Kolek might see more minutes, but Hart only takes nine shots per game and nobody the Knicks have on the bench will contribute in the other categories the way he does.

Payne has missed New York's last two games, but his absence has not resulted in more opportunities for Tyler Kolek. Fellow reserve Miles McBride has absorbed a few of the minutes that would have gone to Payne, as have starters Mikal Bridges (47 minutes vs. Charlotte) and Jalen Brunson (played the entire second half vs. Detroit).

Towns and Payne have been ruled out after the Knicks listed them as questionable on the initial injury report. The former's absence is far more impactful in fantasy basketball, as Jericho Sims offers limited streaming value as a starter. Payne's absence likely means rotation minutes for Tyler Kolek, who is not a worthwhile streamer in most leagues.

While Brunson was considered available to return after exiting Thursday's win over the Hornets during the third quarter, he's officially questionable to play on Saturday. If he cannot play, Miles McBride is the likely replacement in the starting lineup. As for Payne, he did not play against Charlotte, which was a factor in Mikal Bridges playing 47 of a possible 48 minutes. Tyler Kolek may only crack the rotation if Payne and Brunson do not play.

Payne will be sidelined for the first time in almost a month, which will likely allow Tyler Kolek to log a few extra minutes off the bench. However, he isn't a player that should be streamed, since his role will still be minimal.