The New York Knicks received a timely boost ahead of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round series, while the Atlanta Hawks could be shorthanded in the frontcourt.
According to the NBA’s official injury report, Knicks starting forward OG Anunoby is listed as probable for Monday night’s Game 2 at Madison Square Garden after briefly exiting the series opener with a left ankle sprain.
OG Anunoby Injury Update Boosts Knicks Before Game 2
Anunoby’s “probable” designation appears to be largely precautionary. The 28-year-old forward logged 38 minutes in Saturday’s 113-102 Game 1 victory and showed no significant limitations after returning from the ankle issue.
He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds while anchoring the Knicks’ perimeter defense — a critical component of New York’s identity. Knicks coach Mike Brown offered a reassuring update following Sunday’s practice.
“Yeah, he practiced today,” Brown told reporters. “Everybody practiced.”
Barring any unexpected setback, Anunoby is expected to remain in his starting role as the Knicks look to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Knicks Get Encouraging News on OG Anunoby Status
Anunoby’s presence has been pivotal for New York, particularly in playoff settings where defensive versatility and wing scoring are at a premium. The Knicks outscored Atlanta by nine points during his 38-minute stint on the floor in Game 1.
After briefly exiting with the ankle injury, Anunoby returned to the game and delivered one of his more efficient playoff performances. It marked his fourth playoff appearance with New York and sixth overall, with the forward continuing to provide consistent production on both ends.
His ability to defend multiple positions while contributing offensively gives the Knicks added stability against a Hawks team built on pace and scoring.
Hawks Face Key Injury Concern With Onyeka Okongwu
GettyOnyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks.
While New York trends toward full strength, Atlanta faces uncertainty with starting center Onyeka Okongwu listed as questionable due to right knee inflammation.
Okongwu delivered a solid stat line in Game 1 with 19 points and seven rebounds in 38 minutes, but he finished with a team-worst minus-12 rating. The injury appears to have surfaced during the game, putting his availability for Game 2 in doubt.
If Okongwu is unable to play, the Hawks could turn to Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley for increased minutes in the frontcourt.
Karl-Anthony Towns Could Benefit From Hawks Injury Issue
Atlanta’s potential absence of Okongwu could have major implications for defending Knicks All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, who dominated the opener.
Towns finished with 25 points on just 13 shot attempts, adding eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. He also went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, consistently exploiting mismatches.
Before Game 1, Hawks coach Quin Snyder emphasized the importance of containing Towns.
“Hopefully, we can do a better job guarding him than we have,” Snyder said. “We gotta keep him off the foul line.”
That proved difficult in the opener, and it could become even more challenging if Okongwu is unavailable.
Knicks Look to Build Momentum in Game 2
Game 2 is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday at Madison Square Garden, with the Knicks aiming to capitalize on their Game 1 momentum.
With Anunoby trending toward full availability and the Hawks potentially dealing with a key injury, New York enters the matchup in a favorable position.
For the Knicks, maintaining their defensive intensity and balanced scoring will be key. For the Hawks, the status of Okongwu could play a decisive role in whether they can even the series or fall into a 2-0 deficit heading back to Atlanta.
Knicks Make OG Anunoby Announcement as Hawks Face Key Injury Concern Before Game 2