NEW YORK — Starting forward OG Anunoby is considered day-to-day after leaving Friday night’s win over the Raptors with an ankle injury suffered early in the second quarter when he tripped over Scottie Barnes’ foot, according to the Knicks’ coaching staff.
Anunoby, who sat out Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Hornets, is not believed to be facing a serious setback, team officials told reporters. The 6’8” wing averaged 16.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals this season and is viewed as a strong candidate to earn the second All-Defensive honor of his career.
Knicks Rest Core Players
With the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference already secured, New York chose to rest most of its main rotation Sunday. Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns were all held out. Mikal Bridges was inserted into the starting lineup to preserve his consecutive games-played streak, then exited just 23 seconds into the contest as Jordan Clarkson took over.
Brown Reflects on First Season in Charge
Head coach Mike Brown told Newsday he has focused on maintaining last season’s successful elements while adding lineup flexibility and giving assistant coaches a louder voice. “The standards are sacrificing, being connected, competing and truly believing in each other,” Brown said, adding that players and staff hold him accountable as well. He declined to attach a specific win total to his preseason goals.
First-Round Opponent Still Uncertain
The Knicks’ most probable playoff matchup remains the Raptors, though the Hawks are also in play. New York’s familiarity with Toronto, a division rival featuring several former Knicks, would aid in scouting, team observers noted. Sunday night’s league results will lock in the first-round pairing.
Source: Hoops Rumors
