Injury Concerns for the Knicks Ahead of Critical Game 7
The New York Knicks are limping toward a decisive Game 7, with their roster increasingly depleted by a string of critical injuries. The team’s resilience and depth will be severely tested as they prepare for a do-or-die matchup that will determine their playoff fate.
Josh Hart Adds to Injury List
The latest blow came in the fourth quarter of Game 6, when Josh Hart exited the contest with abdominal soreness. Hart, known for his relentless hustle and two-way play, has been one of the most consistent and energetic contributors for the Knicks throughout the postseason. His status for Game 7 remains uncertain, and any limitation in his availability would be a significant setback. Hart has been averaging close to a double-double in the playoffs, bringing vital rebounding and perimeter defense to a team already struggling to stay healthy.
Key Players Still Sidelined
Hart’s injury compounds the Knicks’ existing woes, with several key players already unavailable:
OG Anunoby: The versatile forward has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Game 2. His absence has left a noticeable void in the Knicks’ defense and perimeter scoring.
Julius Randle: The All-Star forward has been out since January due to shoulder surgery. Randle’s physicality, scoring, and playmaking are sorely missed, especially in high-pressure playoff moments.
Bojan Bogdanovic: Acquired mid-season to boost scoring off the bench, Bogdanovic suffered a foot injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the postseason. His veteran presence and floor spacing would have been valuable assets.
Mitchell Robinson: The Knicks’ anchor in the paint, Robinson is out due to an ankle injury. Without him, New York has struggled to maintain interior defensive dominance and rebounding advantage.
Depth Tested Like Never Before
Coach Tom Thibodeau now faces one of the most challenging coaching tasks of his tenure. The burden has increasingly fallen on the shoulders of Jalen Brunson, who has been spectacular throughout the playoffs but can’t do it all alone. The Knicks will need increased production from supporting players like Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Miles McBride to fill the void left by the mounting injuries.
Hartenstein, in particular, has been a revelation in Robinson’s absence, but the lack of frontcourt depth could be exposed further if Hart is unavailable or limited. The Knicks might have to dig even deeper into their bench, potentially giving extended minutes to little-used players or altering their usual rotations.
Mental and Physical Toll
Beyond the tactical challenges, there’s the psychological and physical fatigue of a long, grueling series. The team has shown remarkable grit to push the series to seven games despite the absences, but the question remains: how much do they have left in the tank?
Game 7s are historically battles of attrition as much as talent, and with the Knicks’ injury list growing, their ability to outlast a presumably healthier opponent becomes even more uncertain.
As the Knicks prepare for Game 7, the team stands at a crossroads defined by adversity. Injuries to key players like Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Mitchell Robinson have significantly altered the team’s dynamics. Despite the challenges, the Knicks have shown resilience — a testament to their coaching and locker-room culture. However, whether that resolve can carry them through one more game remains to be seen.
For Knicks fans, hope remains, but it is tempered by concern. Game 7 will be a true test of New York’s depth, grit, and will to win.
