The standout point-forward has been ruled out of the Blazers’ nationally-televised matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center with lower back soreness.

In his successful return, Hart shot 7-for-15 and 3-for-5 from deep with two steals and a block, as the Knicks (25-14) held the Blazers (19-21) to 54 points in the second half. It became a reassurance to the fans that Hart’s presence could help stop the bleeding.

Hart finished with 18 points and six assists, shooting three-of-five from downtown in a 123-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Knicks wing Josh Hart was trending towards retuning to the team’s lineup after injury recovery against the Blazers.

Deni Avdija suffered a lower back injury Sunday afternoon during the Blazers’ 123-114 loss to the New York Knicks at Moda Center, spoiling the eagerly-anticipated return of Holiday from a 27-game absence.

The New York Knicks head to Portland facing a Trail Blazers team hit hard by injuries. On paper, the matchup suddenly looks much easier for New York than it did