The New York Knicks feared the worst when they watched star forward OG Anunoby pull 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 star appeared to suffer the injury with roughly three minutes to play in an eventual New York victory in Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Anunoby has been tagged with an injury every player dreads.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky to manage. Not only are they nagging and painful, they carry a high re-injury risk.
With the Knicks locked into a crucial playoffs series and just two wins away from the Eastern Conference finals, losing Anunoby, one of the NBA’s top two-way players, is potentially a significant blow.
The 28-year-old New York star is listed day-to-day with a hamstring injury. His status for Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia is up in the air.
N.Y. Gets Encouraging News on OG Anunoby Ahead of Game 3
It would be flatly surprising if Anunoby is able to play in Game 3 tomorrow night, considering how rare it is for a player to not miss a single game after suffering a hamstring strain.
GettyNew York Knicks star OG Anunoby was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain on Thursday.
Anunoby is lauded for his toughness, both physically and mentally, but it would be asking a lot of the star forward to suit up two days after incurring a bad injury.
However, Anunoby has not been ruled out for Game 3 just yet. According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Anunoby has avoided major injury.
“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’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 gonna always be caution when it comes to soft tissue injuries, for the Knicks and Anunoby.”
Should Knicks Exercise More Caution With Star?
Fortunately, the Knicks are enjoying a comfortable position. They are up 2-0 over the Sixers heading into Game 3.
Of course, nothing beats finishing a series as quickly as possible to allow players to receive rest and recovery ahead of the following series.
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 6: Og Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks collects a pass in the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 6, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
But after the injury to Anunoby, the Knicks may have to operate slowly and sideline their star forward. That decision may risk losing a game or two, but if it means minimizing the risk of exacerbating Anunoby’s injury, it is the best move.
The Knicks are 50 games above .500 with Anunoby in the lineup; his impact extends beyond the box score. New York will inevitably take a hit if Anunoby is held out for a few games.
New York has championship aspirations. Anunoby is crucial in meeting those aspirations. In eight games this postseason, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting a hair under 54% from the 3-point line. Lump that with his often impeccable defense.
To advance past the second round and the third round, the Knicks need a healthy Anunoby.
OG Anunoby Injury: Knicks Get Major Update on Star’s Game 3 Status