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New York Knicks lineup without Og Anunoby

The New York Knicks appear to have avoided the worst-case scenario with OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury ahead of Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. Anunoby’s right hamstring strain is considered “very minor,” and the forward is officially listed as questionable for Friday’s game at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Anunoby is being treated day to day, which has generated optimism within the organization. As of Thursday evening, his status for Game 3 had not been finalized, but there is a belief he could return for Game 4 on Friday or Sunday.

The timing is important for the Knicks, who hold a 2-0 series lead. Anunoby has been one of New York’s most impactful playoff performers, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while helping anchor the defense.

Miles McBride Likely to Replace OG Anunoby in New York Knicks Starting Lineup

GettyNew York Knicks guard Miles McBride

If Anunoby cannot play on Friday, Miles McBride appears to be the most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

McBride closed the Knicks’ 108-102 Game 2 win after Anunoby exited with the injury. He also started 15 regular-season games and has frequently played starter-level minutes throughout the year.

The Knicks have performed well when McBride plays alongside Jalen Brunson. The pairing has produced a plus-33.4 net rating per 100 possessions during their minutes together.

McBride’s insertion would create several defensive adjustments for New York.

Anunoby had primarily defended Paul George during the series. If McBride starts, Mikal Bridges would likely move onto George while McBride handles Tyrese Maxey.

That alignment would leave Brunson guarding Kelly Oubre Jr., Josh Hart defending VJ Edgecombe, and Karl-Anthony Towns matched up with Joel Embiid if Embiid plays.

Bridges has already earned praise for his defense on Maxey during the series. After Game 2, Knicks coach Mike Brown highlighted Bridges’ effort.

“If there is one player that I wanna make sure that I mention, it’s Mikal Bridges,” Brown said. “You’re not stopping Tyrese Maxey. Tyrese, he had a great game. He had 26 points. But Mikal tried to make him work, especially in the second half, for every point he got.”

McBride also praised Bridges’ defensive work.

“It started with Mikal,” McBride said after Game 2. “I feel like he’s just been great for us at the point of attack.”

Mitchell Robinson’s Option Could Change Knicks Bench Rotation

GettyNew York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks could also consider starting Mitchell Robinson alongside Towns in a double-big lineup.

Robinson is listed as probable for Game 3 because of illness and is expected to return. Brown previously said he preferred not to use Robinson and Towns together extensively because of defensive matchup concerns, though the pair has still shared the floor in short stretches during the postseason.

If Robinson starts, the defensive assignments become more complicated.

With Bridges likely remaining on Maxey and Robinson handling Embiid or Philadelphia’s center, Towns could be forced into defending George. That matchup presents challenges for New York and is one reason McBride remains the more likely starter.

Anunoby’s absence would also affect the bench rotation.

If McBride enters the starting lineup, Landry Shamet is expected to return to the rotation after mostly falling out of the playoff mix following Game 2 of the first round.

Brown previously said the offense became “discombobulated” when Shamet handled backup point guard duties earlier in the postseason, which opened opportunities for Jose Alvarado in reserve minutes.

If Robinson receives a larger role, the Knicks could also turn to Ariel Hukporti or Jeremy Sochan for additional frontcourt depth.

New York’s small-ball flexibility also takes a hit without Anunoby. He frequently played center in smaller lineups during the season and playoffs, giving the Knicks versatility on both ends of the floor.

Without him, the Knicks may need to rely more heavily on traditional lineups as they try to take a commanding lead over Philadelphia in Game 3.