The New York Knicks officially listed OG Anunoby as questionable for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers with a right hamstring strain.
That makes Anunoby’s availability one of the biggest questions in the series as the Knicks take a 2-0 lead to Philadelphia. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is considered day-to-day, adding that the injury is not believed to be a serious hamstring strain.
Anunoby left late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ 108-102 Game 2 win over the Sixers. Reuters reported that the injury occurred with 2:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, and that Anunoby still finished with 24 points, five rebounds and four steals in the victory.
Mitchell Robinson (illness) is probable.
OG Anunoby (hamstring strain) is questionable.
OG Anunoby Injury Update: The New York Knicks Listed Him as Questionable With a Right Hamstring Strain
The official designation does not rule Anunoby out, but it puts his Game 3 status in real doubt.
A questionable tag means the Knicks are leaving open the possibility that Anunoby can play after treatment and further evaluation. Charania reported that Anunoby’s status will be decided day-to-day, which is a more encouraging short-term update than an immediate multi-game absence.
Still, hamstring injuries are difficult to manage in the playoffs because of the stop-and-start nature of the schedule and the physical demands on wings. That is especially true for Anunoby, whose value to New York is not limited to scoring. He is one of the Knicks’ most important defenders, a floor spacer and a matchup piece who allows New York to stay versatile against Philadelphia’s top offensive options.
The Knicks are two wins away from advancing, but Game 3 gives the Sixers their first home opportunity to swing the series. Losing or limiting Anunoby would change how New York balances size, shooting and perimeter defense.
Why Anunoby’s Status Matters So Much for the Knicks
Anunoby has been one of New York’s most productive players this postseason. He is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds through eight playoff games, up from his regular-season averages of 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds.
That jump matters because the Knicks are not simply asking Anunoby to stand in the corner and defend. He has become a major playoff scoring option, and Game 2 was another example: 24 points, four steals and important two-way minutes before the injury.
If Anunoby is unavailable, the Knicks would have to redistribute those minutes across a group that could include more Miles McBride, Josh Hart or Jordan Clarkson, depending on whether New York wants more shooting, ball pressure or size. None of those options fully replaces Anunoby’s combination of strength, three-point shooting, defensive range and ability to guard multiple spots.
That is the real concern for New York. The Knicks can survive stretches without one starter, especially with a 2-0 series lead, but Anunoby’s absence would force multiple players into slightly different roles. It could mean more defensive work for Mikal Bridges, more rebounding pressure on Hart and more scoring responsibility for Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
New York Knicks Announce OG Anunoby Injury News Before Game 3 vs. Sixers