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New York Knicks' Mikal Bridges
The New York Knicks will finish the 2025-26 NBA season against the Charlotte Hornets, 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.
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 greater.
Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks
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 history. According to reports, 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.
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.
GettyMikal Bridges of the New York Knicks
The Knicks are fielding a heavily depleted roster tonight, with six players officially listed as out:
OG Anunoby — Out (Left Ankle Sprain)
Jalen Brunson — Out (Right Ankle Injury Management)
Josh Hart — Out (Right Ankle Injury Management)
Tyler Kolek — Out (Right Oblique Strain)
Mitchell Robinson — Out (Left Ankle Injury Management)
Karl-Anthony Towns — Out (Right Elbow Injury Management)
Bridges’ 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.
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.
It was one big roller coaster; some moments were very annoying, but after all, it was one story of determination going into the playoffs.
GettyJose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks could get an extended role against the Hornets
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 out after right ankle surgery and Coby White listed as probable with right calf soreness. Expect a low-stakes but revealing 48 minutes for both teams.
This is indeed a great chance for the Knicks’ bench players. Jordan Clarkson, Jose Alvarado, and Landry Shamet will not only be responsible for scoring tonight but also get to play for long minutes, something they hardly get during the regular season.
These players have always been the ones to play behind the starters; however, tonight, there’s 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 the most in understanding these players before the playoffs start.
For the players the Knicks least rely on but may indeed need the most, this season’s game may be the most significant one for them.
Jayesh Pagar 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
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