THE SIDELINES : Oakley on Knicks’ Eligible List

The New York Knicks added forward Charles Oakley to their eligible list for the playoffs and deactivated backup center Greg Butler on Monday.

Oakley, the Knicks’ top rebounder, has been out since mid-March with a broken bone in his left hand. The Knicks said X-rays of the hand show the break has healed.

Oakley practiced on his own last week and was to work out with the team today and Wednesday. Knicks spokesman John Cirillo said Oakley might be able to play in New York’s playoff opener against Boston on Thursday night.