Knicks Anticipate OG Anunoby’s Return for Conference Finals After Hamstring Strain
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The New York Knicks believe forward OG Anunoby will be available when the Eastern Conference finals open early next week, assuming no setback occurs with the mild right-hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2 of the semifinals last Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Vincent Goodwill.
Anunoby was listed as questionable for Games 3 and 4 against Cleveland before being ruled out. New York’s four-game sweep created a layoff of at least eight days—the next series cannot start before Sunday and will be pushed to Tuesday if Detroit forces a Game 7—which has given the 26-year-old extra time to recover.
During Wednesday’s practice, Anunoby skipped full-speed, live drills but participated in portions of the session and completed an individual workout. “Any time anybody is able to do stuff, you’re encouraged,” head coach Mike Brown said. “I’ll wait until Friday to see what they tell me.”
Players Eager to Resume Play
While the break has helped the roster heal, guard Josh Hart acknowledged the unusually long gap has left the team restless. “The first series we had, what, four days? That was good enough,” Hart said Wednesday. “This right now, at least a week, if not nine days—that’s a long time. Mentally I’m just waiting to get back out there.” The Knicks carry a seven-game postseason winning streak into the next round.
Brunson’s Off-Ball Adjustment
Coach Brown’s decision to use Karl-Anthony Towns as a playmaker has also required Jalen Brunson to spend more possessions away from the ball. Asked about embracing the change, Brunson responded, “One, I’m not a star. Two, I want to win.”
Potential Windfall From Deep Playoff Run
A trip to the NBA Finals could generate $140 million to $180 million in gross revenue for Madison Square Garden, Sportico reported. The Knicks are the only remaining playoff club that ranks in the league’s top 10 for gate receipts, and additional home dates would boost basketball-related income for the 2025-26 season.
Historic Point Differential
Through 10 playoff games, New York owns a +194 point differential, the best mark ever recorded over that span, according to Yahoo Sports’ Dan Devine. Devine cited team chemistry and exceptional shot-making as key factors in the unprecedented surge.
The Knicks will learn their conference-final opponent after the Pistons-Cavaliers series concludes later this week.
Source: Hoops Rumors
