Knicks Injury Report: Is OG Anunoby Playing Tonight vs 76ers After 18-Game Absence?

The New York Knicks are struggling. Even though they hold the fourth rank in the Eastern Conference, the team is barely hanging on to the position. But it looks like Christmas might come early to New York. The latest reports on the Knicks forward, OG Anunoby, have the Knicks breathing a sigh of relief. The 26-year-old Brit was sidelined since January 27th due to an elbow injury he sustained against the Miami Heat.

Yesterday’s abysmal loss to the Philadelphia 76ers marks the 18th game that Anunoby has missed since he arrived in New York. But, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, “Knicks forward OG Anunoby – out since Jan. 27 with elbow injury – is expected to return as soon as Tuesday vs. 76ers.”

The initial diagnosis of OG was that he was dealing with elbow inflammation. But soon after, it was announced that he had surgery to remove loose bone fragments. With OG’s arrival, the Knicks’ frontline is looking more and more well-put-together and wholesome. He played 14 games since his trade from the Raptors to NY happened, and he’s been everything the team hoped for.

Anunoby averaged 15.6 points in that stretch while shooting 51.6% from the field and 39.1% from downtown. The two-way player that he is, the 6’7 Indiana product, proved to be a threat in the defense, averaging 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. With the team looking to avenge their horrible Sixers loss tonight in a rematch, Anunoby’s presence is more than welcome.

The timeline for other players on the injury report aside from OG Anunoby

Julius Randle, another one of the key players of the Knicks, has also missed 18 games since January 27. Randle had a dislocated right shoulder and has been tending to the same. Although OG Anunoby has responded well to training and scrimmage, Randle still seems to be on the fence when it comes to contact. So, it’s only natural that the 29-year-old power forward will look to be completely healthy before returning to the floor.

In the 18 games that the Knicks have played since Anunoby and Randle have gone down, the team has admitted defeat in 10. According to Coach Thibodeau, Randle has been engaging in light drills, but there’s no one way to know for sure if he can handle contact until he takes a hit. For now, he is going to continue his exercises and hope everything works out in time for at least the playoffs.

Anyway, with the latest reports, it seems like OG Anunoby is on the express train to return. It’s definitely a step up from their current situation. But will Anunoby be enough to face off against the 76ers? Comment your thoughts below!

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