When the Knicks took a trip to Indiana after winning the first two games at MSG, they hoped to return with a better result rather than the series returning to even terms. But losing both games at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, that’s exactly where Jalen Brunson’s squad is at right now. A major reason they could not get the job done on the road was the absence of their elite two-way player, OG Anunoby, who injured his hamstring during Game 2 and hasn’t played since. So, as the Knicks play the fifth game of the series back at MSG tonight, NBA Insider Chris Haynes revealed the “realistic target date” of OG’s return.

After it was revealed that Anunoby would remain out for tonight’s game as he has not fully recovered from his hamstring injury, Haynes asked everyone to mark the Eastern Conference Finals. Then, spilling more details, Haynes added, “He’s doing everything he can to try to get back ASAP but from what I was told it’s looking more likely a return for the ECF should the Knicks get there, looks like that’s gonna be a realistic target date.”

OG’s unfortunate injury occurred last Wednesday, during the third quarter of Game 2, when he received a pass from Brunson while trying to finish a layup on the fastbreak. He aggravated his hamstring and had to leave the game after playing only twenty-eight minutes. However, he did end up scoring the same number of points before he got injured and helped the Knicks win. Before the injury, Anunoby had been playing well in these playoffs, averaging over 16 points and nearly 7 rebounds. On top of that, he was playing lockdown defense and getting over one block and one steal every night. So, his absence has definitely left a big void in the Knicks roster.

Can the Knicks hold their own without OG Anunoby, AGAIN?

Since the day OG joined the Knicks earlier this season, he instantly became a key member of the team, making full use of his Championship experience. With him in the lineup, the Knicks hardly faced defeat during the season. But, just a few games in, Anunoby suffered a devastating elbow injury and had to undergo surgery in February to remove a loose bone fragment from his right elbow. And that caused him to miss a major chunk of the season. For context, he only played twenty-three games in the Knicks uniform this season.

However, while Anunoby was out, the Knicks continued to stay dominant and finished as the second seed in the East. Once again, they face the tough challenge of winning two more games. Will they make it to the Conference Finals without Anunoby? Despite Haynes’ update, the Knicks can’t rely too much on him returning and saving them.

On Sunday, head coach Tom Thibodeau revealed that OG is doing “just pool work” and has not started running or doing other major tasks. Very importantly, Thibodeau, after losing Game 4 on the road, said, “OG was gone for a good chunk of the season… So that’s no excuse. Just get it done.”

Even though the Knicks are a better team with OG Anunoby (26-5 with him in the lineup), they will have to continue finding a way to stay productive without him because even if they make it through, there is a slight chance that OG might not be available for the first few encounters.

Do you think the Knicks can overcome this challenge?