New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby, out since Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of a left hamstring strain, plans to participate in shootaround Sunday morning and test the possibility of returning for Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers, sources told ESPN.
The Knicks upgraded Anunoby to questionable on Saturday afternoon after sources told ESPN that the initial expectation had been that he would remain out unless the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics beginning Tuesday. Nevertheless, Anunoby has advanced in his rehabilitation and believes there's a real opportunity for him to return and help his team with the season on the line Sunday, sources said.
Anunoby has been sidelined since injuring the hamstring on May 6, and the sheer possibility of his return for a Game 7 could be a boon for a Knicks lineup decimated with injuries. He has averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in eight playoff games this season.
Knicks guard Josh Hart also has been listed as questionable with an abdominal strain suffered in Game 6 in Indiana, and the expectation is that he'll do everything within his power to try to play Sunday, sources said. Even if on the milder side, abdominal strains are limited in treatment options, unlike ankle sprains or legs bruises that can be treated with ice and stimulation.
Almost any movements for Hart stir pain, including simply coughing and breathing. There's no escaping the pain, which is something that can be avoided with injuries to other parts of the body.
Hart has averaged 14.9 points, a team-leading 11.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 42.6 minutes a game in these playoffs.
The Knicks have lost All-NBA forward Julius Randle, center Mitchell Robinson and forward Bojan Bogdanovic with season-ending injuries.
