New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, who sat out Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals with a left hamstring strain, plans to participate in Sunday morning’s shootaround and test a possible return for Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, sources tell ESPN.
The Knicks upgraded Anunoby to questionable on Saturday afternoon after sources told ESPN that the initial expectation was that the Knicks would advance to the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, which begin on Tuesday. Still, Anunoby has made progress in his rehab and believes he has a real chance to return and help his team in the postseason, sources said.
Anunoby has been sidelined since injuring his hamstring on May 6, and his potential return for Game 7 could be a boon to an injury-ravaged Knicks lineup. He is averaging 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in eight playoff games this season.
Knicks guard Josh Hart is listed as questionable with an abdominal strain he suffered in Game 6 at Indiana and is expected to do everything in his power to try to play Sunday, sources said. Even on the milder side, abdominal strains are less of a treatment option for ankle sprains or foot injuries treated with ice and stimulation.
Almost any movement of the heart, including coughing and breathing, can trigger pain. There is no escape from pain, which can prevent injuries to other parts of the body.
Hart is averaging 14.9 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 42.6 minutes per game in these playoffs.
The Knicks lost All-NBA forward Julius Randle, center Mitchell Robinson and forward Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries.
