{"id":708908,"date":"2026-04-12T11:03:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/708908\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T11:03:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T11:03:17","slug":"one-knicks-starter-wont-rest-despite-lengthy-injury-report-but-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/708908\/","title":{"rendered":"One Knicks Starter Won’t Rest Despite Lengthy Injury Report, But Why?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"New\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

New York Knicks Mikal Bridges will play Vs Hornets<\/p>\n

The New York Knicks<\/a> will finish the 2025-26 NBA season against the Charlotte Hornets<\/a>, and the injury report is quite lengthy. Six players from the rotation will not be playing, with practically every main starter being left out of the list. However, one notable name is absent from the list.<\/p>\n

Even though the other Knicks players are taking a break to be fresh for the playoffs, a Knicks starter is getting ready not just for the game, but for something much \u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200cgreater.<\/p>\n

The One Exception to the Knicks\u2019 Rest Plan\"Mikal<\/p>\n

Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks<\/p>\n

The Knicks are sitting all of their starters for this season finale, except Mikal Bridges. The reason is simple but remarkable: Bridges is protecting one of the most extraordinary ironman streaks in modern NBA<\/a> history. According to reports<\/a>, he has played over 637 consecutive games without missing a single one. Bridges will check in tonight to keep that record alive before opting out for the rest of the game.<\/p>\n

It is a streak that defines who he is as a professional, and neither he nor the Knicks is willing to let it end in a meaningless season finale.<\/p>\n

Knicks\u2019 Injury Report vs. Hornets\"Mikal<\/p>\n

GettyMikal Bridges of the New York Knicks<\/p>\n

The Knicks are fielding a heavily depleted roster tonight, with six players officially listed as out<\/a>:<\/p>\n

OG Anunoby<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Left Ankle Sprain)<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Right Ankle Injury Management)<\/p>\n

Josh Hart<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Right Ankle Injury Management)<\/p>\n

Tyler Kolek<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Right Oblique Strain)<\/p>\n

Mitchell Robinson<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Left Ankle Injury Management)<\/p>\n

Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 Out (Right Elbow Injury Management)<\/p>\n

Mikal Bridges\u2019 Rollercoaster Season<\/p>\n

Bridges\u2019\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c 2025-26 regular season was not that attractive. He opened up October, leading the league with 19 points on 56.5% shooting, gradually decreasing dramatically till the winter. When March arrived, he was in a serious slump, which worried the entire league, as his efficiency and confidence were visibly lacking.<\/p>\n

Yet, in the final quarter, Bridges responded, once again showing to everyone why the Knicks had decided to keep him for the long term through their contract extension.<\/p>\n

It was one big roller coaster; some moments were very annoying, but after all, it was one story of determination going into \u200dthe playoffs.<\/p>\n

What to Expect in This Game Vs. Hornets\"Jose<\/p>\n

GettyJose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks could get an extended role against the Hornets<\/p>\n

With the Knicks resting their entire starting core, this will be a scrappy, unstructured game. The Hornets are also dealing with their own absences, with PJ Hall<\/a> out after right ankle surgery and Coby White<\/a> listed as probable with right calf soreness. Expect a low-stakes but revealing 48 minutes for both teams.<\/p>\n

This\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c is indeed a great chance for the Knicks\u2019 bench players. Jordan Clarkson<\/a>, Jose Alvarado<\/a>, and Landry Shamet<\/a> will not only be responsible for scoring tonight but also get to play for long minutes, something they hardly get during the regular season.<\/p>\n

These players have always been the ones to play behind the starters; however, tonight, there\u2019s no backup option. How they react to taking on lead roles, making decisions under pressure, and staying together on the court for long stretches will help Mike Brown<\/a> the most in understanding these players before the playoffs start.<\/p>\n

For the players the Knicks least rely on but may indeed need the most, this season\u2019s game may be the most significant one for \u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200c\u200b\u200d\u200b\u200c\u200d\u200b\u200d\u200cthem.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJayesh Pagar<\/a> Jayesh Pagar is a writer at Heavy Sports, covering the New York Knicks and other NBA teams. He brings four years of experience across digital sports media, including NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football. He covered as the Knicks beat writer for ONSI and has written for PFSN, Sporting News, and ClutchPoints. More about Jayesh Pagar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Sports\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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