Miracles can happen, as New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau announced that he will be resting three players in Thursday’s matchup vs. Detroit. The three guys are Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson. This decision comes after months of frustration from Knicks fans, media, and even players about the heavy minutes Thibodeau imposed on his top players. NY’s entire top six has played at least 61 games, basically only sitting out for injuries. When you contrast that to a team like Boston, who has rested their stars often, team-wide exhaustion can be a concern. However, New York has made it to the finish line completely healthy, with all 11 of their possible rotation guys ready to go. The Knicks’ last three games mean absolutely nothing, so sitting down their key players is the right move.
Knicks Resting Players Over Final 3 Games
The Knicks say Hart, Anunoby, and Robinson will sit out Thursday’s matchup against Detroit. They cited Hart’s right knee soreness, Anunoby’s thumb, and injury management for Robinson’s ankle. Whether these are legitimate reasons or not, the Knicks are making the correct choice. New York has four players in the top 25 in total minutes played, including the top two. They’ve somehow emerged healthy but could use the rest before the playoff gauntlet starts.
This game has no effect on New York’s playoff seeding or path to the NBA Finals. (They can technically fall to fourth, but it is extremely unlikely). It will just be used as a tuneup for the postseason, where Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride can continue to shake the rust off.
OUT Thursday at Detroit, Knicks announce:
–– OG Anunoby (right thumb sprain)
–– Josh Hart (right knee Patellofemoral Syndrome (aka runner's knee)
–– Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery injury recovery)
➡️ Knicks close to clinching 3rd seed and on a road-home back-to-back pic.twitter.com/Znec7BDOEf
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 9, 2025
Furthermore, NY’s likely first-round opponent is the Pistons. It would be unwise to play their full rotation and expose strategy with the playoff matchup starting in a little over a week. Detroit has handled New York, winning two of three this season, but their last battle was three months ago. There’s no reason for either team to show their cards.
New York Likely Rests Other Players Over The Weekend
With this decision should also come some off-days for NY’s other relevant players. They have a back-to-back Friday against Cleveland, where Brunson will be sitting. He only needs to play in two more games to reach the NBA’s 65-game minimum for All-NBA honors. If he plays today in Detroit and Sunday in Brooklyn, he’ll hit 65 on the dot.
Also, expect a rest day or at least lower minutes for Karl-Anthony Towns and McBride on Friday. Mikal Bridges will play to extend his ridiculous Iron Man streak, which is at 553 games. However, Thibodeau should resist the temptation to ride Bridges for heavy minutes over the final three games. New York is so close to reaching Game 1 of the playoffs completely healthy. They will be an extremely dangerous team if whole, and the entire organization should prioritize health and rest above all else.
Bench Players Will Get Extra Run to Prove Themselves
The other benefit to resting their best guys over the final stretch is that their bench unit will get more playing time. Detroit and Cleveland are good teams, giving Thibodeau a look at how fringe rotation players fare as he builds his group for the playoffs. We know the top seven, but Cameron Payne, Delon Wright, Landry Shamet, and Precious Achiuwa are all fighting for the eighth and ninth spots. All four of them should receive solid minutes in these three games. Those who thrive will be in a better position to play in the postseason.
Photo credit: © Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
