Back At It

If Josh Hart is also forced to sit out Friday in Cleveland, then this message will self-destruct, and we can start officially getting anxious about the health of his knee...

After a week away, the Knicks are back in action this evening as they host the downtrodden Bulls. Considering the upcoming schedule (New York travels to Cleveland on Friday night and Boston on Sunday), Thursday's game vs. Chicago takes on added importance.

However, before focusing on opponents, let's check in on the health of the 'Bockers as they dig in for the second half of the season.

Knicks fans got a mix of reassuring and dispiriting news from coach Tom Thibodeau on Wednesday afternoon.

Encouragingly, after missing the last five games before the All-Star break due to a foot injury, OG Anunoby practiced without limitations on Wednesday. He is officially listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup with Chicago. I would expect Thibs to label him a "game-time decision" pregame before we see OG slide into tonight's starting lineup.

In addition, Thibs told reporters yesterday afternoon that center Mitchell Robinson was medically cleared for full-contact 5-on-5 practice this week and took part in a spirited scrimmage on Wednesday. It's the first time he's been able to go full tilt since undergoing ankle surgery in May.

As discussed previously, Robinson's return is critically important for the Knicks if they want to make a deep run this postseason. By not making a major move at the trade deadline earlier this month, New York placed a big bet on Mitch Rob not only returning to action but making a significant impact.