Knicks forward OG Anunoby listed questionable for Game 3 against 76ers following hamstring strain
Coach Mike Brown confirms the player left the court without returning, leaving Miles McBride to potentially fill the starting void while the team evaluates a cautious approach to the injury.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is currently listed as questionable for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The injury occurred late in the fourth quarter of the Knicks' 108-102 victory in Game 2, after which Anunoby exited the court and did not return to the lineup.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown noted that the forward appeared to be hopping as he left the game early in the final quarter, though he stated immediately after the match that no official diagnosis had been confirmed by the coaching staff. Despite the lack of an immediate medical update from the bench, multiple reports indicate the injury is a right hamstring strain, prompting the team to mark Anunoby as day-to-day.
Anunoby has been arguably the Knicks' most critical player in the postseason, averaging 21.4 points per game and shooting 53.8 per cent from three-point range. He also serves as the team's primary defensive anchor. His potential absence presents a significant challenge, particularly given the 76ers' recent offensive struggles when Joel Embiid was sidelined due to hip soreness and an ankle sprain in the previous fixture.
However, the Knicks hold a 2-0 series lead, which provides the organisation with the option to adopt a cautious management strategy regarding Anunoby's workload. The forward has a history of hamstring issues, having missed Games 3 through 6 of the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals due to a left hamstring strain. This precedent suggests the medical team may prioritise long-term availability over immediate minutes in this matchup.
If Anunoby is ruled out, backup guard Miles McBride is expected to assume the starting fifth spot. McBride has expressed confidence in his ability to step up, noting that the coaching staff and his teammates trust him to handle a larger role. His scoring ability and defensive pestering against Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey could help mitigate the loss of Anunoby's production.
The outcome of Game 3 will likely dictate the Knicks' approach to Anunoby's return, especially if Embiid is healthy for the Philadelphia side. With the series still in the early stages, the coaching staff must balance the need for a defensive presence against the risk of aggravating a recurring injury.
