According to Josh Hart Ian Begley from SNY, the New York Knicks are likely to label Josh Hart as questionable due to an abdominal strain he sustained during the team’s Game 6 defeat to the Indiana Pacers last Friday. Hart had to leave the game early due to this injury, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial Game 7 scheduled for Sunday. Despite this, many of his teammates believe he will be ready to play, although an official update is expected to be provided on game day.
In another injury update, OG Anunoby, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue since Game 2 of the series, has been moved to questionable status for the upcoming game as well. Begley noted that the decision regarding Anunoby’s participation will also be made on Sunday, but there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding his potential return. Sources indicate that Anunoby has shown improvement in his rehabilitation process and is eager to join his teammates for what is essentially a do-or-die matchup.
The highly anticipated Game 7 is set to take place at 3:30 p.m. at Madison Square Garden. Earlier in the series, specifically before Game 6, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau had announced that Anunoby would be sidelined for that game, emphasizing that he was still engaged in “light work” but not yet ready to compete at full capacity. Anunoby’s hamstring injury, which he suffered in Game 2, has kept him out of action, preventing him from contributing to the team.
Before Game 5, Thibodeau mentioned that Anunoby had shown some improvement but would only return once he was completely fit, reiterating that the decision would depend on his medical evaluations. Notably, prior to this update, Anunoby was only able to engage in pool workouts, indicating his limited progress at that time. Meanwhile, the coach confirmed that both Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein were cleared to play for Game 5, providing some relief to the Knicks’ lineup as they aimed to advance in the postseason.
This context sets the stage for an important Game 7, where the Knicks hope to overcome their injuries and secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.