Following the New York Knicks’ gritty Game 2 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the team and its fanbase were left holding their collective breath regarding the health of star forward OG Anunoby. After undergoing further evaluation, sources told ESPN on Thursday that Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is currently being considered day-to-day. While any mention of a hamstring issue for Anunoby—who has a history of such injuries—triggers concern, the “day-to-day” designation suggests the Knicks may have dodged a significant postseason disaster.
The injury occurred during a high-stakes sequence late in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 108-102 win at Madison Square Garden. With approximately three minutes remaining on the clock, Anunoby made an aggressive cut toward the basket for a dunk attempt. Upon landing, he appeared to reach toward the back of his right leg and began to limp noticeably. Despite the clear discomfort, Anunoby remained on the court for an additional possession before signaling to the bench that he needed to be substituted. He was replaced by Miles McBride and headed straight to the locker room as the Knicks utilized their “use it or lose it” timeout with 2:31 left in regulation.
The timing of the injury is particularly difficult given Anunoby’s elevated level of play throughout this postseason run. Before exiting Game 2, he was arguably the best player on the floor for New York, tallying 24 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and a block in 37 minutes of action. His versatility as a “3-and-D” wing has been the engine of the Knicks’ success; he is currently averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds through eight playoff games while often taking on the most difficult defensive assignment on the opposing team.
Head coach Mike Brown (who is leading the team this season) did not have a definitive update immediately after the game, noting only that Anunoby “seemed to be hopping” but that medical staff had yet to provide details. The subsequent diagnosis of a strain, rather than a tear, provides a glimmer of hope that his absence will be brief. However, the Knicks’ medical staff is expected to exercise extreme caution. Soft-tissue injuries, particularly hamstrings, are notoriously fickle; rushing a player back too soon often leads to re-aggravation, which could then result in a multi-week or season-ending absence.
This is not Anunoby’s first brush with hamstring trouble. Knicks fans vividly remember the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers, where a left hamstring strain forced Anunoby to miss several crucial games. His limited mobility upon his return in that series highlighted how much his game relies on lateral quickness and explosive leaping—both of which are severely compromised by hamstring issues.
With Game 3 scheduled for Friday night in Philadelphia, Anunoby is officially listed as questionable. If he is unable to go, the Knicks will likely lean even more heavily on their “Iron Man” rotation. Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, both known for their incredible stamina, would likely see their minutes pushed to the limit. Additionally, Miles McBride, who finished Game 2 in Anunoby’s stead, would see a significant uptick in responsibility. While New York currently holds a commanding 2-0 series lead, the loss of Anunoby would drastically change the defensive math for the Knicks as they try to contain the 76ers’ offensive weapons on the road.
For now, the Knicks are hoping that intensive around-the-clock treatment will allow their defensive anchor to return to the lineup sooner rather than later. The coming 24 hours of rest and rehabilitation will be critical in determining whether Anunoby can suit up for the hostile environment awaiting the team at the Wells Fargo Center.
