The New York Knicks are preparing for a high-stakes Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, and they might receive a significant boost with the return of two key players, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, who have been dealing with injuries. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, both are on track to play the pivotal game at Madison Square Garden.
OG Anunoby has been sidelined since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals due to a left hamstring strain. Initially, it was expected that Anunoby would be out for the remainder of the series unless the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.
However, Anunoby has made substantial progress in his rehabilitation. He plans to participate in the shootaround on Sunday morning to assess his readiness for Game 7. The Knicks upgraded his status to questionable, offering hope that he could make a crucial return. Anunoby has been a vital component for the Knicks, averaging 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in eight playoff games this season.
Josh Hart, listed as questionable with an abdominal strain suffered in Game 6, is also pushing to play in the decisive game. Abdominal strains are notoriously difficult to manage due to the limited treatment options and the constant pain caused by any movement.
Despite this, Hart, who has averaged 14.9 points, a team-leading 11.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the playoffs, is determined to contribute to his team’s effort. His resilience and commitment have been pivotal for the Knicks throughout their playoff run.
The potential return of Anunoby and Hart is critical for a Knicks lineup that has been severely impacted by injuries. The team has already lost All-NBA forward Julius Randle, center Mitchell Robinson, and forward Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries. Anunoby’s scoring ability, defensive skills, and rebounding, combined with Hart’s versatility and leadership, would be invaluable in a game where the Knicks’ season is on the line.
The Knicks and their fans are hopeful that the presence of these key players can tilt the balance in their favor. As the home team has won every game in this series so far, the Knicks aim to maintain this trend and secure a spot in the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
With Anunoby and Hart potentially returning to action, New York’s chances of prevailing in this do-or-die game are significantly bolstered.
The Knicks Would Have Given Boston A Serious Challenge If They Were Fully Healthy
As the New York Knicks prepare for a pivotal Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, many fans and analysts can’t help but wonder what might have been if the Knicks were fully healthy. If injuries hadn’t plagued their roster, the Knicks might not only have ended this series earlier but could also pose a formidable challenge to the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Boston Celtics, boasting an impressive 64-win season, finished 14 games ahead of the second-placed Knicks. They have been the clear favorites to win the East and are expected to handle either the Knicks or Pacers with relative ease. However, a fully healthy Knicks team could have significantly altered that narrative.
Throughout the season, the Knicks demonstrated resilience and depth, characteristics that become even more potent when key players are available. Julius Randle, their All-NBA forward, has been a cornerstone of their success, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.
His season-ending injury has been a substantial blow. Alongside Randle, Mitchell Robinson’s defensive presence and rebounding have been sorely missed. Additionally, the absence of Bojan Bogdanovic, who provides scoring and veteran leadership, has further depleted the Knicks’ lineup.
If the Knicks had these players healthy, their depth and versatility would present a serious challenge to the Celtics. New York’s defense, anchored by Robinson and Randle, could effectively disrupt Boston’s offensive flow. Offensively, the combination of Jalen Brunson, Randle, and Bogdanovic would offer a balanced and potent attack capable of exploiting the Celtics’ defenses.
Moreover, the potential return of OG Anunoby and Josh Hart for Game 7 highlights the impact that a complete and healthy Knicks roster could have. Both players bring toughness, defensive prowess, and crucial scoring that can elevate New York’s performance against top-tier teams like Boston.
In conclusion, while the Celtics remain favorites, a fully healthy Knicks team would have undoubtedly provided them with a serious challenge. The Knicks’ combination of depth, defense, and versatile scoring could have made for a highly competitive and exciting Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
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