Knicks' OG Anunoby reportedly expected to be able to return for Game 1 of Eastern Conference finals
Over the weekend, the New York Knicks completed their first best-of-seven series sweep since 1999. They did so against the Philadelphia 76ers, and without one of the hottest shooters in this year’s postseason, forward OG Anunoby.
He exited Game 2 late in the fourth quarter with a hamstring strain in his right leg and missed Games 3 and 4. But, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, there’s an expectation Anunoby will be able to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The latest for @SportsCenter on optimism for New York's OG Anunoby entering the Eastern Conference finals and details on Bob Myers leading the search for the 76ers new top executive: pic.twitter.com/pRdcT3JIYG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 13, 2026
"Barring any setbacks, there's optimism for his status for Game 1,” Charania reported Wednesday on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
“Today, OG Anunoby participated in parts of practice. He also had an individual on-court workout. He's missed exactly one week with a hamstring strain. He's been evaluated on a daily basis. The Knicks are gradually bringing him back, including him in basketball activities, but the expectation and hope is that he will be a go for Game 1.”
The date of Game 1 has yet to be determined, and the same can be said about the Knicks’ opponent. That’s because the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons are deadlocked 2-2 in a semifinal series. With at least two more games to go in that showdown, Anunoby and the Knicks will have even more time to rest following the team’s erasure of the Sixers.
Anunoby’s hamstring injury interrupted his torrid start to the playoffs. Through eight postseason games, the 28-year-old’s averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per contest. In that span, he’s posted a blistering 61.9% field-goal percentage, including a 53.8% clip from beyond the arc. Anunoby has made at least two 3-pointers in every playoff game he’s played in this year, twice netting four 3s.
He’s making a two-way impact in a push for what would be his second NBA title. He earned his first with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
