OG Anunoby has spent the last two weeks on the sidelines due to a right hamstring strain. Will the New York Knicks have him back in the lineup for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Here’s the latest on the 6-foot-7 forward’s status ahead of tonight’s game.
OG Anunoby Injury Update: Will the Knicks Star Play in Game 1 vs. the Cavaliers?
Anunoby has been listed as probable on the official injury report, meaning there’s a good chance he will play tonight against the Cavaliers. The 28-year-old picked up his hamstring injury during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers and was forced to miss Games 3 and 4 as a result.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown revealed on Monday that Anunoby participated in all parts of the day’s practice session with the team, but stopped short of revealing whether he would be a part of the starting lineup for Game 1.
While it seems likely that Anunoby will play tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be limited or under a minutes restriction if he does play.
The 2019 NBA champion has established himself as a vital part of the Knicks’ lineup since the Toronto Raptors traded him to New York in 2023. He was in excellent form before suffering his hamstring injury, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 8 playoff games, while shooting 61.9% from the field.
After returning to practice last week, Anunoby provided an update on his injury and shared his excitement about returning for the Conference Finals.
“It didn’t feel as bad as the past when it happened. So knowing that, just trying to improve it day by day… I think everyone’s excited for the games to start,” Anunoby said ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals, while describing this injury as “weird more than painful.”
After sweeping the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Knicks have the NBA Finals in their sights. Since the Cavaliers-Pistons series went to Game 7, the Knicks got a long break ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals after they swept the 76ers.
The last time the Knicks won the Eastern Conference Finals was back in 1999, and their last NBA title came in 1973. Game 1 between the Knicks and Cavs takes place tonight at Madison Square Garden, with tip-off at 8 p.m. ET.
