The New York Knicks' quest for a playoff victory has been marred by a series of injuries, and their latest setback comes in the form of Josh Hart. During Friday's 116-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Hart suffered abdominal soreness, which has now been diagnosed as an abdominal strain. As a result, his availability for Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Sunday is in question, adding to the team's mounting injury concerns.

Hart's injury occurred in the first quarter when he attempted to box out Pacers star Pascal Siakam on a missed free throw. Grabbing his abdomen in pain, Hart was visibly affected and had to briefly leave the game. However, displaying his characteristic resilience, he later returned to continue the fight for his team.

The significance of Hart's injury cannot be overlooked. He has been a vital player for the Knicks throughout the playoffs, leading all participants in total minutes logged. His efforts on both ends of the court, particularly as a rebounder, have been instrumental in the team's success. Losing his presence on the court would be a blow to the Knicks' chances in Game 7.

Teammates and coaches remain optimistic about Hart's potential return. Jalen Brunson, a close friend and teammate of Hart, noted that despite the visible discomfort, Hart continued to play. Isaiah Hartenstein echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in Hart's ability to overcome adversity and contribute to the team's efforts. The players' faith in Hart's dedication and resilience suggests that he may well make an appearance in the crucial Game 7 clash.

However, the severity of Hart's injury remains uncertain. While some believe that his soreness will subside, there are concerns that an underlying abdominal strain could impact his availability. The Knicks have experienced similar situations in the past, where initial injury reports have been overshadowed by more severe conditions requiring extended recovery periods or even surgery.

The mounting injury list for the Knicks further reflects their current predicament. Hart is now the fifth rotation player to be sidelined due to injury, with three of the injuries occurring during the playoffs. The absence of key contributors like Bojan Bogdanovic, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson has undoubtedly posed challenges for the team as they battle for a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As Game 7 approaches, all eyes will be on Hart's condition. The Knicks desperately need his rebounding prowess, leadership, and overall contributions on the court to overcome the Pacers and keep their playoff hopes alive. Whether Hart can overcome his abdominal strain and join his teammates in the crucial matchup at Madison Square Garden will be a decisive factor in determining the Knicks' fate in this tightly contested series.