The New York Knicks are heading into the Eastern Conference Finals with a significant boost: forward OG Anunoby is expected to be available for Game 1, barring a setback, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Anunoby exited Game 2 of the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in the final minutes, grabbing at his right hamstring. The subsequent diagnosis came back as a Grade 1 strain – the mildest classification of the injury – and Anunoby sat out the final two games of New York’s sweep over Philadelphia.
A grade-1 strain: best-case scenario
Sports medicine specialist Dr. Jesse Morse offered an encouraging prognosis, calling it “a best-case scenario” injury and noting there was “a good chance” of a safe return for Game 1 given “almost two weeks to heal.” On Wednesday, Anunoby went through portions of Knicks practice but did not participate in live contact drills, per coach Mike Brown. He completed an individual shooting workout after the session.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Brown said, declining to commit to a specific timeline.
Why Anunoby is irreplaceable for New York
New York swept Philadelphia without Anunoby in Games 3 and 4 – a testament to the team’s depth – but the 26-year-old Canadian forward is far more than a supporting player. His capacity to guard multiple positions, from shooting guard to power forward, gives Brown the tactical flexibility few coaches enjoy. In the regular season, the Knicks posted a defensive rating 4.1 points better per 100 possessions with Anunoby on the floor.
The ECF opponent is still being determined: Cleveland holds a 3-2 series lead over Detroit, with Game 6 scheduled Friday in Cleveland. Barring a Pistons comeback, the Knicks will have more time to bring Anunoby along carefully before the series opens.
Sources: ESPN / Shams Charania, NBC Sports
