Kofi Inkoom
10/05 : OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and is possibly on a week-to-week basis, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic. He will be sidelined for game 3, and possibly game 4, of the series against the Pacers, reports’ Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
09/05 : The Knicks will be missing OG Anunoby when they face the Indiana Pacers on Friday night as the series transitions to Indiana. Anunoby is sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, as confirmed by the team on Thursday.
Anunoby sustained the injury during the second half of the Knicks’ victory over the Pacers on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden. He pulled up awkwardly while driving to the rim for a layup, prompting concern as he hopped under the basket.
After struggling near the baseline, he limped off the court and headed straight to the locker room, not returning to the game. Despite the setback, he managed to contribute 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting for the night.
Traded to the Knicks from the Raptors earlier this year, Anunoby has been averaging 14.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.
The severity and duration of Anunoby’s hamstring injury remain uncertain. The team swiftly ruled him out for the upcoming game, leaving only a day between matches for recovery. While Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday, it’s uncertain if he’ll be fit to play by then.
In addition to Anunoby’s absence, star player Jalen Brunson is listed as questionable for Game 3 due to a right foot injury. Despite missing part of Wednesday’s game, Brunson returned in the second half, contributing 29 points to secure the Knicks’ victory.
Anunoby’s sidelined status is expected to provide opportunities for Precious Achiuwa and Alec Burks, with increased offensive responsibilities for players like Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
Anunoby’s next chance to join the lineup will be in Game 4, however ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Anunoby may not be able to suit up for that game, pushing his comeback to Game 5 if the series is still ongoing. The Knicks are currently 2-0 against the Pacers in the series.