The New York Knicks have been leaving a significant mark for themselves during this ongoing NBA season. Much of the success could be credited to their impressive lineup of players, many of whom have been sidelined by injuries over the past few games. While 26-year-old OG Anunoby seemed to have recovered from his time in the infirmary, his availability over the next few games is looking bleak once again. During the recent matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, OG Anunoby returned to the court after a one-month hiatus. During the second quarter, however, fans observed that he was visibly struggling with his right elbow.

(OG is questionable vs the Kings on Saturday)

In the aftermath of the game, Jalen Brunson, who had scored an astonishing 45 points in the match, was asked about his teammate’s condition. When asked if he or any of the Knicks players feel it “jarring” to see a not-so-fully recovered Anunoby on the basketball court, Brunson replied “I feel like if he’s hurt he wouldn’t play. I think a lot of us have mindsets like that. I mean he went back out there, so that’s a telling sign.” While the player stated that the health of his teammates is something to always take into consideration, he also stated that “If you go back out there, it means you’re good”.

OG Anunoby himself chose to speak out on what occurred during the game. According to an article by The Athletic’s Fred Katz, the player stated, “It’s just sore. Nothing really happened. Just went for a ball. And it hurt randomly, but it’s fine.” He also reportedly stated that the discomfort stemmed from “rapid movement” that “you can’t recreate” during practice.”

It was back on January 29th, before a game against the Charlotte Hornets, when the player had opted not to play after developing an inflammation in his right elbow. After further diagnosis, the condition was revealed to be an irritation stemming from a bone spur. The subsequent surgery and recovery period caused the player to miss out on 18 games for the Knicks.

How has OG Anunoby fared this season?

During the 41 games he played this season for the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks combined, OG Anunoby pulled off an average score of 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. His average almost remained the same with the Knicks, with his 15+ points allowing him to be the 4th highest average scorer for the team, right behind Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett.

Anunoby’s limited time with the Knicks has allowed him to improve upon his shooting abilities. When comparing his stats with the Raptors against the one with the Knicks for this season, one can observe that Anunoby’s field goal percentage has increased by 2.5%, his three-point percentage by 1%, and his free throw percentage by 10.8%.

The contribution that OG Anunoby makes to a game can prove to be the very thing that can determine the Knicks’ chances of making it to the playoffs. Therefore, fans and players alike will be closely observing whether or not the 26-year-old’s injury will continue to remain a matter of concern.

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