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OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The New York Knicks may have avoided a major disaster in OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury, which he picked up late in Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Western Conference semifinals. 

Anunoby’s new hamstring strain was not the same body part he injured last November, earlier this season. In Shams Charania’s latest update, it was revealed that Anunoby’s current hamstring strain was from his right leg, not his left, which he also injured in the 2024 NBA playoffs. 

In his initial injury earlier this season, it took three weeks for Anunoby to return to action after the initial two-week prognosis. Nevertheless, Anunoby went on to have a solid season with the Knicks this year, before picking up a major setback in the second round of the playoffs. 

Anunoby has been particularly brilliant in the playoffs. He is averaging 21.4 points, and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 61.9 percent from the field, 53.8% from the 3-point line, and 81.1% from the free-throw line. 

Before hurting his hamstring, Anunoby played 37 minutes in Game 2, recording 24 points and five rebounds. He hobbled out of the court with under three minutes left in the game. 

Currently, Anunoby is day-to-day and is questionable to play for the Knicks in Game 3 in Philadelphia. 

OG Anunoby Averts Significant Hamstring Damage

GettyOG Anunoby avoids any major damage in his hamstring.

ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on Anunoby’s injury on NBA Today. According to him, the Knicks forward will be re-evaluated constantly as he avoided any major fracture in his hamstring. 

“The good news for the Knicks and Anunoby is that I am told he has avoided a significant or serious level strain of that hamstring, and he’s going to be evaluated day-to-day moving forward,” he said. “He’s actually even listed as questionable for Game 3 in Philadelphia on Friday night just depending on the level of treatment over the next 24 hours.” 

“But there’s going to always be caution when it comes to soft tissue injuries, for the Knicks and Anunoby.”

Game 3 of the series will be in Philadelphia on Friday, May 8. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m. Eastern time. 

Knicks Optimistic In Anunoby’s Early Return

According to a report by SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks are optimistic about Anunoby’s recovery. Begley said that the team expects Anunoby to return as early as the next game or Game 4 in the series against the 76ers. 

“People feared the worst when he left Game 2 hobbling,” the report reads. “The day after, it was determined that the Knicks had dodged a significant injury with Anunoby. I’m told there’s optimism in the locker room that Anunoby will be playing in Philadelphia in Game 3 on Friday or Game 4 on Sunday.”

Before the news came out, the Knicks seemed clueless about Anunoby’s status after he exited Game 2, going straight to the locker room.

As noted by Begley, the Knicks must be happy to learn about the severity of Anunoby’s injury, as he is a vital part of the team’s two-way resolve. 

In Game 3, the Knicks are looking to take a commanding 3-0 lead against the 76ers, who missed former NBA MVP Joel Embiid in Game 2 after a setback in his knee injury.