Will New York Knicks’ OG Anunoby play against the Indiana Pacers in Game 3?
As we approach Game 3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, it appears the Knicks are at risk of losing a player who has been critical to the team’s cause.
While there has been much made about the officiation and the way in which it has affected the outcome of both Game 1 and 2, the reality remains that the Knicks have been solid during the two outings. Yet, one of the reasons that’s been so has been the work of one of the team’s core players. It may be that he won’t suit up for Game 3.
What’s the deal with OG Anunoby?
Though there is yet to be any official word on the health status of the New York Knicks’ OG Anunoby, as of Wednesday evening there was a great deal of pessimism coming out of NYC ahead of Friday’s Game 3. Indeed, that notion persisted on Thursday morning with reports suggesting that Anunoby’s sore hamstring may be suffering from more than just a simple cramp. To be clear, the 26-year-old forward will see his official status reviewed and released at 5:30 p.m. ET when the NBA posts its official injury report.
You will of course recall that Anunoby was forced off the court in the second half of Game 2 and did not return to the game due to what was later described as soreness in his right hamstring. Now, it’s worth noting that the Knicks are already suffering from several injuries on the roster, but that didn’t stop them from pulling off a tenacious win against the Pacers in front of a packed Madison Square Garden. To be more specific, fans would have seen star player Jalen Brunson exiting toward the end of the first quarter with a sore foot, only to return following halftime. That in turn led to a situation where the Knicks had to do without both players for quite some time.
Yet, as we know, the Knicks were able to hold firm such that they now take a 2-0 lead into Game 3 which will be played in Indiana on Friday night. If there are any positives where Anunoby is concerned, one would be the fact that he was able to leave the court on his own steam. Prior to his departure, he was in the middle of taking the Pacers apart with a 28-point performance in 28 minutes. There were also four rebounds and three assists. This is all to say that it will be interesting to see how the Knicks respond should he be unable to play on Thursday night. Consider for a moment that the team implemented a six-man rotation in response to Anunoby’s absence. Such a move won’t be suitable for an entire game i.e., the Knicks will have to get creative.