Knicks Rest Starters in Loss to Hornets

Knicks sit key players in final regular season game

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.The Knicks' decision to rest their starters in the final regular season game exposed the team's depth, but could impact their momentum heading into the playoffs.NYC Today

The New York Knicks rested four starters and two key rotation players for their regular season finale against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. The Knicks opted to sit their top players ahead of the upcoming NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

The Knicks are preparing for the playoffs and wanted to give their starters some rest and recovery time before the postseason begins. Resting players in the final game of the regular season is a common strategy for teams who have already clinched a playoff spot.

The details

The Knicks inactive list for the game against the Hornets included starters Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson, as well as key reserves Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin. This allowed the Knicks to give their top players some much-needed rest and recovery ahead of the playoffs.

  • The Knicks played their regular season finale against the Hornets on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Julius Randle

Starting power forward for the New York Knicks.

Jalen Brunson

Starting point guard for the New York Knicks.

RJ Barrett

Starting small forward for the New York Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson

Starting center for the New York Knicks.

Immanuel Quickley

Key reserve guard for the New York Knicks.

Obi Toppin

Key reserve forward for the New York Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to give our starters some rest and recovery time before the playoffs start. It's a long season and they've earned the chance to recharge their batteries.”

— Tom Thibodeau, Head Coach, New York Knicks

What’s next

The Knicks will now turn their attention to the NBA playoffs, where they will look to make a deep run after clinching a postseason berth.

The takeaway

Resting key players in the final regular season game is a common strategy for playoff-bound teams, allowing their starters to recover and prepare for the intensity of the postseason.