Josh Hart’s recent ironman stretch hasn’t been seen in the NBA in nearly eight years.
Amid the Knicks’ ongoing rash of injuries, Hart has logged at least 40 minutes in nine consecutive games. That is the longest such streak in the NBA since James Harden did it in 10 straight for the Rockets late in the 2015-16 season.
“S–t, I probably should have taken myself out of yesterday’s game with how I played,” Hart said, referring to his six turnovers in Sunday’s 79-73 loss to the 76ers. “But body-wise … the body feels good to have had that kind of stretch.
“For me, it’s just continuing to try to recover as best I can. And then when I’m out there, just give whatever I got, and once we get guys back, I’m probably 99 percent sure I won’t be playing 40 every day, every game. But the body feels solid.”
Hart, who has averaged 43.2 minutes over the past nine entering Tuesday’s rematch against the Sixers, sat out one game in January with soreness in his left knee.
But he hasn’t missed a game since.
“It’s the typical soreness, typical swelling and inflammation in it, but I’m good to go,” Hart said. “Not gonna focus on all that too much. I just try to get my treatment as I can, recover the best I can. And I know especially having guys out like this, there’s no room for me to cry about my knee and sit out a game or two.”
OG Anunoby, who has been sidelined since late January with an elbow injury, could return Tuesday after he was upgraded to questionable on the official injury report.
Julius Randle (dislocated shoulder) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) remain out. Randle still is taking “very light” contact, Tom Thibodeau said after practice.
“He probably won’t know until he gets out there. He’s going to have to take a hit and know that he’s OK,” Thibodeau added.
Tyrese Maxey has cleared concussion protocol and the All-Star guard is expected to play Tuesday night for the Sixers after missing their previous four games.