The New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers were on an equal 2-2 footing during the ongoing semifinal series. That all changed a couple of days ago after the former defeated the Pacers by a 121-91 score to take the lead. One more win and the path will be wide open for the Knicks to enter the Conference Finals for the first time in 24 years. Small forward OG Anunoby had been absent from the main lineup for quite some time now, and fans might have hoped that his availability during the critical clash may make all the difference for the Knicks. For those fans, however, a bitter disappointment awaits.

A few hours ago, SNY TV reporter Ian Begley provided an update on OG Anunoby’s condition. He highlighted that the player’s hamstring injury continues to limit his movement and hardly allows him to run. Due to this, the player’s status on the Knicks’ Injury Report remains ‘OUT’. The same, however, may or may not vary if his team loses the game, and the series extends to Game 7.

OG Anunoby had helped Jalen Brunson and his other teammates establish a stellar record during the first round of the playoffs. After Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic were declared ‘OUT’ during Game 2 of the Semifinals, he efficiently took charge by scoring 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Unfortunately, he couldn’t score more than that, as a failed attempt at a layup resulted in the player injuring his leg and caused him to make a premature exit. It has now been three games since Anunoby returned to the basketball court. His absence, combined with the unavailability of three other scorers, caused the franchise, who were on a two-win streak, to plummet to a 3-2 record.

The update by Ian Begley came barely a few hours after ‘TNT Sports’ contributor Chris Haynes revealed that OG Anunoby possibly won’t return until the Eastern Conference Finals. That is, only if the Knicks manage to reach that pivotal stage. He also highlighted that the player himself is making an effort to ensure that a rapid recovery comes his way. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau revealed that Anunoby is doing “just pool work”, indicating a meager chance of a possible return shortly. However, the coach did not want to use the player’s absence as a cause for their recent abysmal performance. He stated, “OG was gone for a good chunk of the season… So that’s no excuse. Just get it done.”

The Knicks’ Injury Report remains the same as before, with Anunoby, Randle, Robinson, and Bogdanovic occupying the ‘OUT’ category. From the Indiana Pacers’ side, Bennedict Mathurin is the only player listed on the report. He has been away from the main lineup since March because of a shoulder injury. A surgery that was conducted later to treat the same has now rendered the player unavailable for the entire tournament.

Had OG Anunoby developed any other injury during the 2023-24 Tournament?

Fans who have been following the Knicks since the beginning of the ongoing tournament know that OG Anunoby’s hamstring strain is not the first injury he has had. His unfortunate and unexpected ailments had caused him to miss out on several games during the regular season.

In February, the small forward was absent from a game against the Charlotte Hornets after he developed symptoms that indicated an inflammation in his right elbow. Further diagnosis revealed the ailment as an irritation from a bone spur. Anunoby was immediately placed in recovery and wasn’t seen again on the court for the next 18 games. According to reports, the player continued to deal with discomfort after returning.

While bone spur irritation was the most severe issue Anunoby faced during the regular season, he also suffered some minor injuries before it. In December, he was diagnosed with bilateral leg muscle cramps. A few weeks later, the Knicks star injured his finger, not because of basketball, but because of household chores.

Anunoby’s 18-game absence caused the New York Knicks to have an 8-10 win record. The average score of 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists that he had recorded during his two previous matchups with the Indiana Pacers could have been what the Knicks needed to ensure their success. Unfortunately, going into Game 7 at Madison Square Garden, the home team will have to secure their entry into the Conference Finals without him.