New York Knicks forwards OG Anunoby and Josh Hart were both in the starting lineup against the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 on Sunday as New York seeks its first berth in the Eastern Conference finals since 2000.
Anunoby and Hart participated in the team's walkthrough and warmup before the determination was made that both would play.
The chance for Anunoby to spend time guarding Pacers forward Pascal Siakam looms as an important matchup for New York.
Anunoby has been out since Game 2 with a left hamstring strain, and Hart sustained an abdominal strain in Game 6 of the series. The Knicks have lost Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic to season-ending injuries.
The Knicks had upgraded Anunoby to questionable Saturday afternoon after he had advanced far enough in his rehabilitation to believe he had a real opportunity to return and help his team Sunday, sources said.
He has averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steal in eight playoff games this season. The Knicks are 26-5 with Anunoby on the floor.
Hart had also been listed as questionable, though he was determined to play through the injury and see how much he can contribute, sources said. Even if on the milder side, abdominal strains have treatment options -- unlike ankle sprains or leg bruises that can be treated with ice and stimulation.
Almost any movements for Hart stir pain, including coughing and breathing. There is no escaping the pain, which is something that can be avoided with 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 per game in the playoffs.
