New York (40-27) is in a tough battle with the Orlando Magic (40-28) for the No. 4 seed in the East. The Knicks hope to distance themselves from Orlando and come within striking distance of the Milwaukee Bucks, who sit 3.5 games above them as the No. 2 seed.
Even if the Knicks’ 12-2 with Anunoby in January seems distant. Their chances of stringing together key wins in their final 15 games with him off the field look slim. They went 8-10 in his absence, and fellow starters Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson are also still out.
Fortunately for the Knicks, it doesn’t appear that Anunoby’s latest ailment will threaten the remainder of his season, although official words from team doctors will paint a clearer picture in the coming days.