The New York Knicks currently lead the Indiana Pacers 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals after earning a 130-121 home win in Game 2 on Wednesday night. However, this victory came at a cost for the Knicks, as two-way forward OG Anunoby suffered a strained left hamstring early in the fourth quarter and did not return to the court. This injury has now cast doubt on Anunoby’s availability for the crucial Game 3 at Indianapolis on Friday night.
With All-Star Jalen Brunson in the locker room during the first half of Wednesday night’s game due to a foot injury, Anunoby stepped up and led the Knicks’ offense. He finished Game 3 with 28 points, four rebounds and three blocks, making four huge threes that kept the Knicks close to the Pacers without Brunson on the floor.
In the fourth quarter, Anunoby was running in transition to attempt a layup when he appeared to plant his left leg awkwardly. He immediately fell to the ground on the baseline, holding the back of his left hamstring and experiencing considerable discomfort. Shortly after entering the locker room, the Knicks ruled the forward out for the remainder of the game.
After failing to return in Game 2 due to this injury, there is now a level of “internal pessimism” that Anunoby will not be available for Game 3 on the road at Indianapolis on Friday night, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.