Knicks’ OG Anunoby Out for Game 2 vs. Pacers After Suffering Hamstring Injury

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVMay 9, 2024

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The shorthanded New York Knicks are dealing with another injury.

The Knicks announced in the second half of Wednesday’s Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers that OG Anunoby suffered a left hamstring injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. There was also an injury scare in the first half when Jalen Brunson was deemed questionable to return because of a sore right foot, but he returned after halftime.

Brunson’s injury was obviously a major concern for the Knicks, as he has been arguably the best player in the entire NBA playoffs.

He scored 40 or more points in the previous four games coming into Wednesday’s contest, and any hope that New York has for a deep playoff run relies on him being on the floor.

But it likely also needs Anunoby.

That the injury happened after the forward was playing at an incredibly high level only makes it more difficult for the Knicks. He had 28 points, four rebounds and three assists on 10-of-19 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range prior to the setback.

The home team also turned to him on a number of possessions when Brunson was in the locker room in the first half, and his production kept it within striking distance despite some runs from the Pacers.

Injuries have been a major storyline for the Knicks in these playoffs, as they are already without Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanović.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t rely on his bench much as it is, and the remaining healthy players will have even more responsibilities with Anunoby now injured.