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Knicks' OG Anunoby injury update

The New York Knicks are firmly in control of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers heading into Game 3 in Philadelphia.

A 2-0 lead after a dominant Game 1 blowout and a hard-fought Game 2 victory at Madison Square Garden puts them in pole position to go through. 

The Sixers have yet to mount the kind of resistance the Atlanta Hawks provided in the first round. However, judging by how the playoffs have gone so far, this series is far from over. 

Huge Injury Update on OG Anunoby

Ahead of Game 3, the Knicks will be without forward OG Anunoby. The 28-year-old star. who has been one of the Knicks’ standout performers this postseason, exited late in Wednesday’s 108-102 win with what appeared to be a leg injury. 

Early concerns quickly eased when imaging revealed a very minor right hamstring strain. He is listed as day-to-day and questionable for Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia.

The good news is that New York’s path forward just got a major boost with positive news on its star forward. Ian Begley of SNY.tv delivered encouraging details on Anunoby’s availability for this series.

“This is not something that’s going to (take) weeks (to come back from) unless there’s some kind of setback,” Begley wrote. “If he misses games, it’s going to be a handful of games. He will be back, assuming the Knicks get through Philadelphia. He will be back in this series if the Sixers take a game or two. (There’s) optimism in the locker room — there’s a chance he could be back Friday or Sunday.”

Anunoby played 37 minutes Thursday and was injured with just three minutes left in the fourth quarter. He finished the night with 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting, five rebounds, four steals and a block. 

It was a strong showing from Anunoby as it has been throughout this postseason. In the first-round series against the Hawks he averaged 21.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 61.1% from the field and 56.7% from 3-point range. 

Aiming To Stay Vigilant Against Dark Horse Sixers

Anunoby is a key piece alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Knicks will hope to have him back in no time.

For now, they will have to see off the Sixers in Game 3 at least, a Sixers team with a track record of resilience as underdogs. They upset expectations by advancing past the superior Boston Celtics in the first round.

The Sixers, who were without Joel Embiid, pushed back in Game 2 and forced the Knicks into a tough test of what might unfold if the series drags on. New York’s defense clamped down late to secure the victory as Philadelphia only scored 12 points in the fourth quarter.

GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks grabs a rebound against CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There is optimism surrounding Anunoby’s injury, but the Knicks will monitor progress closely. A handful of games missed at most aligns with the day-to-day designation, and the series lead provides a buffer. As Begley suggests, should Philadelphia steal one or two wins, Anunoby’s return could coincide with a pivotal stretch, bolstering New York’s championship aspirations.

The focus shifts to Game 3 Friday night as the Sixers will feed off home energy and look to exploit any rust if Anunoby sits.