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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 09: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks could only hope their worst fear didn’t become a reality when star forward OG Anunoby pulled up lame during Wednesday’s Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. 

Anunoby, 28, was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain on Thursday. 

The Knicks forward looked to have incurred the injury with just under three minutes to play in the Knicks’ eventual Game 2 victory over the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers. 

Anunoby was initially listed as questionable on Thursday’s injury report. That designation gave many hope Anunoby’s injury wasn’t substantial enough to keep him out of Friday’s pivotal Game 3 in Philadelphia.

But the more informed knew.

Hamstring injuries notoriously, well, suck. They not only limit mobility but also carry a high re-injury risk. 

The Knicks find themselves just two wins away from the Eastern Conference finals for the second year in a row. But losing Anunoby is potentially a brutal blow to the team’s chances of advancing to the third round.

N.Y. Announces OG Anunoby’s Game 3 Status

Most were prepared for this. It is rare to see a player play in his team’s very next game after straining a hamstring. 

Anunoby is known for being relatively durable and strongly built, but it would be simply asking too much of a player to play 48 hours after a tough injury. 

The Knicks have announced Anunoby will not play in tonight’s Game 3.

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

The good news is the Knicks are comfortably ahead in this second round series. And with the Sixers dealing with injury trouble to the oft-hurt Embiid, Anunoby missing tonight’s game could be rendered less of a blow.

The Knicks will certainly exercise a slow and steady approach with Anunoby. They need their two-way star to be 100% healthy if the Knicks get to the conference finals, which most expect.

Anunoby may not even appear again in this series. That won’t necessarily mean he is severely hurt; it could simply indicate the Knicks are playing it cautious by not playing Anunoby unless they absolutely have to. 

Fortunately, Anunoby’s hamstring strain is not considered to be severe. The word the Knicks are using is “minor.”

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

New York is 50 games above .500 with Anunoby in the lineup; not having him available, even against a supposedly inferior opponent in the Sixers, could hit the Knicks. 

New York ultimately has to reach the NBA Finals for this season to be considered a remotely successful one.

With the Boston Celtics stunningly ousted in the first round and the defending Eastern conference champion Indiana Pacers long out of sight and out of mind, the Knicks have no excuse not to make it to the championship round.

Anunoby will be a vital piece in meeting those expectations. 

In eight games this postseason, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game on an uber-efficient 54% from the 3-point line. The man cannot miss right now. The basket is as large as the sea.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Knicks handle their rotation without Anunoby.