NEW YORK -- OG AnunobyPlayer·OG Anunoby's strong Game 2 performance ended abruptly when a strained right hamstring forced the New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks forward from the floor with 2:39 left in the fourth quarter. A person with knowledge of the details told The Associated Press that Anunoby is day-to-day and questionable for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ersTeam·Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night at Wells Fargo CenterVenue·Wells Fargo Center.
Anunoby had torched Philadelphia for 24 points on efficient shooting before limping off after a cut to the basket for a dunk attempt, blocked by Paul GeorgePlayer·Paul George. He headed straight to the locker room and did not return to the bench as the Knicks held on for a 108-102 victory, seizing a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinalsCompetition·Eastern Conference Semifinals. His status was first reported by ESPN.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby enters the postseason averaging 21.4 points -- second on the Knicks -- while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from deep. As New York's top defender, he clamps wings and provides switchable length that has fueled their deep playoff run as the No. 3 seed (53-29 regular season).
“New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and will be day to day, sources tell ESPN. Anunoby is the Knicks second-leading scorer this postseason at 21.4 points per game. He is listed questionable for Game 3 on Friday against Philadelphia.”— Shams Charania (ESPN)
This marks the second straight postseason series start where Anunoby has dealt with the same injury. Two years ago in the second round against Indiana -- as the Knicks built their own 2-0 edge -- he missed four games and logged limited minutes in Game 7, when the Pacers stormed back to win. Hamstrings remain tricky, with reports stressing caution to avoid re-aggravation, as seen in recent cases like the Thunder's.
Without Anunoby, New York loses rim pressure, paint defense and secondary scoring. Jalen BrunsonPlayer·Jalen Brunson managed just a vague postgame nod to the uncertainty.
“I’ll cross that bridge when we get there. I don’t know too much.”— Jalen Brunson
The Knicks shift to Philadelphia for Game 3, where the seventh-seeded 76ers (45-37) seek desperation at home amid their own injury woes -- Joel EmbiidPlayer·Joel Embiid sat out Game 2 with right ankle and hip issues. A limited or absent Anunoby hands Philly a lifeline, potentially forcing lineup tweaks like more minutes for Precious Achiuwa or Miles McBride on defense.
New York eyes the Eastern Conference Finals, potentially starting around May 19, prioritizing Anunoby's long-term health if they can extend the series lead. Game 3 tips off Friday at 7 p.m. ET, with the Knicks' depth tested amid rising playoff uncertainty.
Brandon Ingram drives past OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson during an NBA game in Toronto. ZUMA Press/IMAGO
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