OG Anunoby Injury Update: Latest on Knicks forward’s status for Game 7 vs Indiana Pacers (May 19)

The New York Knicks have tagged standout OG Anunoby as available for the upcoming Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The Knicks host the Pacers in the do-or-die elimination game to advance to the East finals to face the Boston Celtics.

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OG Anunoby injury update

OG Anunoby has been upgraded to available after being listed as questionable for Game 7 after sitting out the last four games due to a strained left hamstring.

Knicks reporter Ian Begley reports that Anunoby is expected to participate in a shootaround ahead of the game to assess his readiness to rejoin the lineup.

What happened to OG Anunoby?

OG sustained a left hamstring strain during a fast-break opportunity in Game 2, when he made an awkward step with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter. Opting out of an uncontested layup, he instead threw the ball off the backboard before exiting the game to attend to his injury.

Despite his early departure, the starting forward managed 28 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc in just 28 minutes of play.

Following the injury, Anunoby's recovery has been closely monitored. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau revealed on May 12 that Anunoby hadn't yet commenced running and was limited to exercises in the pool during his recovery process.

Two days later, Thibodeau indicated that Anujoby had advanced to light on-court activities. After the Game 6 loss to the Pacers, Thibodeau said that the team's medical staff classified Anunoby's status as "day-to-day."

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OG Anunoby's impact on New York Knicks

Since OG Anunoby joined the Knicks in the RJ Barrett-Immanuel Quickley deal with the Toronto Raptors on Dec. 30, the team has enjoyed considerable success with a 26-5 record in both the regular season and playoffs when he's played. However, they struggled in the regular season, posting a 13-14 record in games Anunoby missed due to an elbow injury.

In the ongoing playoff series against the Pacers, the Knicks are 1-3 without him; while he was sidelined, he went to Indianapolis with the Knicks for their Game 6 loss on Friday. OG's potential return could provide a much-needed boost for the depleted Knicks.

However, there are uncertainties regarding the limitations he may face, returning just 10 days after sustaining his injury on the Madison Square Garden floor.

Nevertheless, Anunoby's impact on the court has been significant, averaging 20.5 points in two games against the Pacers before his injury, with remarkable defensive effort under Tom Thibodeau.