TITLE: Knicks Rule Out OG Anunoby for Two Weeks; Raptors Hit Rare Winning Mark; Lakers Rest Rui Hachimura in Milwaukee
SLUG: knicks-anunoby-out-raptors-winning-record-lakers-hachimura-sidelined
CONTENT:
NEW YORK — Knicks forward OG Anunoby will miss at least the next two weeks after straining his left hamstring in the first quarter of Friday’s victory over Miami, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. The injury appeared to occur on a fast-break attempt when Anunoby reached for the back of his leg following a missed layup, according to the New York Post.
The 26-year-old is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Head coach Mike Brown is expected to distribute Anunoby’s minutes among Josh Hart, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
New York was also without guard Jalen Brunson on Friday. Brunson suffered a Grade 1 right ankle sprain late in Wednesday’s loss to Orlando. Asked why Brunson remained on the floor with the Knicks down 16 in the final two minutes, Brown said, “I’ve been a part of some crazy comebacks … I was trying to win the game,” via the New York Daily News. Miles McBride started in Brunson’s place.
Raptors Move Three Games Over .500
TORONTO — The Raptors’ 121-109 win on Friday pushed the club to 8-5, its first time three games above .500 since February 2022, Sportsnet reported. Forward Scottie Barnes welcomed the milestone but cautioned against complacency. “Just because we’re over .500, that don’t mean nothing,” he told Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Toronto’s next four contests are against the Hornets, 76ers, Wizards and Nets, giving the team an opportunity to build on its strong start. Barnes has led the way while newly acquired forward Brandon Ingram continues to settle into the rotation.
Lakers Sit Hachimura, Hand First Start to Bronny James
MILWAUKEE — Forward Rui Hachimura missed his first game of the season Saturday because of a sore left calf, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “With a back-to-back, probably just smart to hold him out,” Redick told reporters, including the Orange County Register.
Guard Marcus Smart was also sidelined by a viral illness, prompting Redick to start rookie Bronny James and second-year wing Jake LaRavia. James, in his first start of the season and second of his career, logged 10 minutes. Fellow rookie Adou Thiero made his NBA debut, scoring four points in five minutes.
Postgame, forward Jarred Vanderbilt attempted to give Thiero the game ball, but crew chief Pat Fraher retrieved it for a Bucks attendant. “He said he’s going to write me up,” Vanderbilt told ESPN. “What, was he going to take the ball home or something?”
Source: Hoops Wire
