Tragic news for the New York Knicks

OG Anunoby has officially been ruled out for Game 5 with a hamstring strain, compounding the New York Knicks' challenges in their Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. Since sustaining the injury in Game 2, Anunoby has missed subsequent games and, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, his recovery involves only pool workouts and thrice-daily treatments, with no near return in sight. This leaves the Knicks critically short-handed.

The impact of his absence is profound. The Pacers seized the opportunity to level the series at 2-2 after Anunoby, along with Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, and Bojan Bogdanovic, were sidelined. Anunoby's absence is felt keenly; he not only serves as the team's premier defender but had also stepped up as a key offensive player, scoring 28 points in 28 minutes during his last complete game.

The prognosis isn't promising. During an appearance on "The Rich Eisen Show," ESPN/ABC and MSG play-by-play announcer Mike Breen expressed doubts about Anunoby's quick recovery. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau also confirmed that Anunoby is not yet running. With the Knicks facing a critical Game 4 blowout in Indianapolis, NBA analysts are skeptical about the team's ability to progress without their full lineup. The faint hope is that, should the series stretch to a Game 7, Anunoby might make a return. However, for now, the Knicks must forge ahead with the limited roster they have.


Source RealGM: OG Anunoby Out For Game 5 With Hamstring Strain
Source Sporting News: OG Anunoby injury: ESPN announcer says Knicks forward isn't 'close' to return