The New York Knicks may face a significant setback in their playoff run as they brace for the potential absence of OG Anunoby, their second-highest scorer, in Game 3 of the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Anunoby is currently listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup due to a right hamstring strain.
Anunoby suffered the injury during the Knicks’ 108-102 victory over the 76ers in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Late in the fourth quarter, with just three minutes left on the clock, Anunoby was visibly in discomfort, clutching his right hamstring and limping as he signaled to the bench for a substitution. He made his way to the locker room and did not return to the court.
In the aftermath of the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown was unable to provide an immediate update on Anunoby’s condition. However, he did notice Anunoby’s struggles as the game drew to a close.
“It looked like he was hopping, but I don’t know anything,” Brown commented. “They haven’t told me. I just know he left the game. Nobody said he was back. I haven’t talked to anybody yet.”
How would Anunoby’s possible absence affect the Knicks?
Anunoby’s absence could pose a significant challenge for the Knicks, as he has been a pivotal figure in their playoff success. Averaging 21.4 points per game and boasting an impressive 53.8% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, Anunoby has also been a defensive cornerstone for New York. He contributed 24 points in 37 minutes before his untimely exit on Wednesday.
Should Anunoby be sidelined, the Knicks would face a considerable gap in their lineup. However, with a 2-0 lead in the series, the team might opt for a cautious strategy regarding Anunoby’s recovery, especially considering his history of hamstring issues. Previously, a left hamstring strain kept him out of Games 3-6 during the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals.
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Anunoby isn’t the only key Knicks player dealing with an injury. Another starter, Josh Hart, is also questionable for Friday’s game with a left thumb sprain. Hart is a key role player who stuffs the stat sheet. He’s only scored 13 points through the first two games of the series, but he’s also contributed 15 rebounds, 12 assists and six steals.
On the other side, the 76ers were without Joel Embiid in Game 2 with hip soreness and an ankle sprain and he’s listed as questionable on the most recent injury report. New York may not need to be at full strength against a Philadelphia team that struggled offensively in the fourth quarter in Game 2. If the Knicks can go into Game 3 without Anunoby and find success, it could provide added flexibility for Anunoby to rehab the hamstring.
However, if Embiid returns for Game 3 and is healthy going forward, the Knicks would certainly need the added defensive presence Anunoby provides, especially when Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson inevitably get into foul trouble defending the Sixers big man.
For now, though, with Anunoby questionable for Game 3, that means Brown will likely call on Miles McBride to fill that fifth starter spot. McBride’s scoring can fill some of the void left by Anunoby, and he’s a pest defensively, which will come in handy as the Knicks will continue to try to slow Sixers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.
If McBride has to fill a larger role with Anunoby out, he’s more than ready for the opportunity.
“Extremely comfortable. I feel like the coaching staff trusts me, I know my teammates trust me and I trust myself overall,” McBride said when asked how he feels taking on a larger role. “So if that happens, I know I’ll be ready.”
