Is OG Anunoby Playing Tonight? Knicks’ Latest Injury Report Before Game 3 vs Pacers

The New York Knicks will face the Indiana Pacers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for game 3 of the conference semifinals. Adorning what is being considered the best team in years, the Knicks are cruising through, securing 2 wins in 2 games. But as they prepare to continue the momentum, a hindrance may have presented itself with the recent injury report.

With an update from Run It Back on X, clouds of uncertainty arise over the Knicks’ 26-year-old star, OG Anunoby. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported the injury and added that Anunoby could be out on “a week-to-week” basis.

OG Anunoby, the small forward, suffered a left hamstring strain during Game 2 against the Pacers. As per immediate reports, he is sure to miss game 3 and likely further according to reporter Ian Begley’s information: “Players with low-grade hamstring strains – on average – miss roughly 13 days,” he posted. Meaning, the Knicks will miss Anunoby’s defensive presence and ability to guard multiple positions for quite a stretch.

The 26-year-old averages 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game, helping the team to 26-5 in his presence. He also scored 28 points before exiting with the injury, lending an undeniable impact as the Knicks outscored the Pacers by 9 points with him on the court.

Anunoby’s absence creates a problem for head coach Tim Thibodeau. Thibs is known for his defensive approach, and Anunoby was a key player leading Thibs’ defensive plans. Quentin Grimes, the rookie wing, will see increased playing time. Considering Mitchell Robinson, Bojan Bogdanović, and Julius Randle are ruled out, the best option for the Knicks would be to give Quentin Grimes, the rookie wing, increased playing time.

Predicted lineups: Pacers vs. Knicks

The Pacers are in significant form, reaching the conference semi-finals by defeating the Bucks 4-2. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton have been the key asset for the team in the playoffs. Averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, Siakam has been a crucial presence for the Pacers reaching their first semi-finals since 2014. In his lead, this is how the defense dominant team could line up: Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, and Andrew Nembhard.

In the last 5 encounters between the Knicks and the Pacers, the Knicks have emerged as the victorious side on 3 occasions. Jalen Brunson has been an essential force. He recently equaled Michael Jordan’s record in the postseason of scoring 40+ points in 4 consecutive games, further averaging 35.6 points per game. Though his status remains questionable tonight after suffering right foot injury, his availability poses the following line up: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alec Burks. In Brunson’s absence, Miles McBride and Shake Milton can expect the minutes.

The absence of OG Anunoby casts a shadow on the Knicks’ previously dominant playoff run. While the Pacers desperately need a win to avoid a 3-0 deficit, the Knicks’ depth and coaching staff will face a heavy test of their strategic prowess.