The New York Knicks are continuing preparations for the Eastern Conference Finals after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, and OG Anunoby’s health remains one of the team’s biggest storylines entering the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Anunoby missed the final two games against Philadelphia after suffering a right hamstring strain late in Game 2 on May 6. The injury immediately raised concerns because of the hamstring issue that sidelined him during the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers.
The timing is significant for New York as the Knicks prepare to face Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen in the Eastern Conference Finals. Anunoby has been one of New York’s top postseason performers, averaging 21.4 points while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range during the playoffs.
OG Anunoby Returns to Full Practice for New York Knicks
The Knicks received encouraging news Monday when SNY’s Ian Begley posted, “OG Anunoby practiced in full today, Mike Brown says.”
Anunoby has now participated fully in multiple practices after progressing through rehab work following the hamstring strain.
The forward said earlier this week that the injury did not feel as serious as the one he dealt with last postseason.
“It didn’t feel as bad as the past when it happened,” Anunoby said. “So knowing that, just trying to improve it day by day.”
According to Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press, Anunoby said his recovery process included pool work and weight-room sessions before returning to full-on-court activity, including sprinting.
The 27-year-old also said he feels physically ready as the Knicks await Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
“I think everyone’s excited for the games to start, so just letting the other series play out,” Anunoby said. “So if it was tomorrow — it’s going to be Tuesday now — just be ready whenever it is.”
Head coach Mike Brown stopped short of officially confirming Anunoby’s Game 1 availability but said the organization has been encouraged by his progress.
“To go through that is not fun during this time of the year,” Brown said. “We’re trying to get to the top of the mountain during this time of the year, and you know, it needs luck. You need some skill. You need everybody to be healthy to a certain degree.”
Knicks teammate Mikal Bridges also shared optimism about Anunoby’s recovery.
“He’s been back and he looks good to me,” Bridges said. “So I think maybe the crowd, maybe the fans and media worried a little bit more, but I know how OG works and how his body is, so I think he’ll be all right.”
OG Anunoby Could Play a Major Role Against Cleveland Cavaliers
GettyNew York Knicks forward OG Anunoby
Anunoby’s return would give New York a significant boost entering the matchup against Cleveland.
The forward has become one of the Knicks’ most important two-way players, serving as the team’s top perimeter defender while also producing efficiently offensively throughout the postseason.
There was major concern when he limped off against Philadelphia because of his experience during the 2024 playoffs. Last year, Anunoby suffered a left hamstring injury against Indiana, missed four straight games, and briefly attempted a return in Game 7 before being removed after only five minutes because of limited mobility.
This recovery timeline has looked more positive for the Knicks. New York initially listed him as questionable for Games 3 and 4 against Philadelphia before ruling him out, but his ability to return to unrestricted practice before the conference finals marks a significant improvement compared to last postseason.
The Knicks also benefited from extra rest after completing the sweep over Philadelphia, while Cleveland advanced only after defeating the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on Sunday night.
Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points in the deciding game, while Allen added 23 points and Mobley finished with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Anunoby’s defensive versatility is expected to be a major factor in New York’s plans against Cleveland’s backcourt scorers and wing players throughout the series.
For now, the Knicks’ primary focus remains getting fully healthy before the Eastern Conference Finals begin, and Monday’s full-practice update marked one of the team’s most encouraging developments of the postseason.
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