The New York Knicks will again be without one of their most important defenders.
Forward OG Anunoby remains out Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a right toenail avulsion, according to the NBA’s official injury report. It marks Anunoby’s fourth consecutive missed game — and his continued absence is testing the Knicks’ perimeter defense at a critical moment.
New York felt that void acutely Tuesday night, when the Knicks surrendered a season-high 137 points in a stunning 137–134 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. The defeat was their worst home loss of the season and snapped a dominant defensive stretch in which the Knicks owned the NBA’s best defensive rating over a 10-game span.
Perimeter Defense Slips Without OG Anunoby
Indiana entered Tuesday without Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac, yet exploited New York’s compromised perimeter defense by knocking down 18 three-pointers and placing eight players in double figures.
Without Anunoby — the Knicks’ primary stopper on elite wings and guards — New York struggled to contain dribble penetration and close out on shooters. The Pacers’ depth overwhelmed the Knicks’ second unit, with Indiana’s bench outscoring New York’s 43–18.
Anunoby’s absence loomed large for a team built on defensive versatility and switchability.
What Is a Toenail Avulsion?
The Knicks have not detailed the severity of Anunoby’s injury beyond the diagnosis, but a toenail avulsion typically involves the nail partially or fully detaching from the nail bed due to trauma.
Foot and ankle specialists note that basketball players are particularly susceptible to such injuries because of repetitive jumping, sudden stops, tight footwear, and repeated toe impact inside the shoe. In more severe cases, the injury can be painful enough to limit mobility and requires careful treatment to prevent infection.
While it remains unclear whether Anunoby’s toenail has fully detached, the length of his absence — now four straight games — underscores the seriousness of the injury.
Knicks Miss Their Best Two-Way Wing
Anunoby has been the Knicks’ most reliable two-way contributor this season, averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals, ranking fourth in the NBA in steals. His ability to guard multiple positions while spacing the floor offensively has been central to New York’s rise up the Eastern Conference standings.
Without him, the Knicks have had to reshuffle perimeter assignments, exposing younger players and secondary defenders to heavier workloads.
Mitchell Robinson Returns to Steady Interior Defense
GettyMitchell Robinson against Joel Embiid.
While Anunoby remains sidelined, the Knicks are getting a defensive boost elsewhere.
Center Mitchell Robinson returns Wednesday after being held out Tuesday for left ankle injury management on the front end of a back-to-back. His presence is expected to stabilize the interior after a night in which New York struggled to protect the paint and finish defensive possessions.
Robinson’s impact against Philadelphia earlier this season was decisive. In the Knicks’ 112–109 win over the 76ers on Jan. 24, Robinson blocked Joel Embiid twice and altered numerous shots, even as Embiid finished with 38 points and 11 rebounds.
Managing Health With the Postseason in Mind
Wednesday’s game will mark Robinson’s 39th appearance, his most in a season since he played 59 games in 2022–23. The Knicks have carefully managed his workload to preserve his health for the postseason, a strategy that paid dividends during their recent defensive surge.
Still, New York’s ability to fully regain its defensive edge hinges on Anunoby’s return. Robinson can anchor the paint, but Anunoby’s absence continues to expose vulnerabilities on the perimeter — a concern against elite playoff offenses.
For now, the Knicks will lean on Robinson’s interior presence while waiting for their defensive wing to heal, knowing that their championship aspirations are tied closely to getting both pillars back at full strength.
What Is Toenail Avulsion? OG Anunoby Injury Explained