There is always a little humor around a playoff injury, especially when a team is trying to hold its edge and its nerves at the same time.
That is where the Knicks are right now, balancing a 2-0 series lead with a fresh concern around one of their most important players.
And Mitchell Robinson is always the one who drops his unusual joke online, fans notice. And in this case, the message was familiar in its own way.
Mitchell Robinson Had A Simple OG Anunoby Injury Fix
GettyMitchell Robinson New York Knicks‘ Mitchell Robinson Has an Unexpected Way He Wants OG Anunoby Back
Mitchell Robinson gave Knicks fans a quick laugh with his Instagram story, leaning into the Jordan Clarkson joke that has been floating around the postseason.
On the image, Robinson tagged Clarkson and wrote, “@jordanclarksons. You know what to do.” The post also tagged OG Anunoby.
That was the whole point of the post, a playful callback to the viral Clarkson bit from earlier in the playoffs.
OG Anunoby Injury Clouds Knicks Vs. 76ers Game 3
The joke landed because the situation is real. Anunoby was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is day-to-day, with ESPN reporting the injury is “not believed to be a serious strain.”
He was listed as questionable for Friday’s Game 3 in Philadelphia, which is suddenly the biggest subplot in a series the Knicks currently lead 2-0.
Anunoby left late in Game 2 after a dunk attempt, then signaled to the bench to come out after a Mikal Bridges jumper made it 103-99 with 2:56 left.
His impact really shows up in the stats sheet: 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks in these playoffs, while shooting 61.9 percent from the field and 53.8 percent from three.
There is at least some help on the way elsewhere. Robinson, who missed Game 2 because of illness, is expected back and was listed as probable for Game 3. If Anunoby cannot go, the Knicks have lineup options, including moving Miles McBride into a larger role or using Robinson more heavily in a bigger frontcourt look.
Still, this comes down to OG. If he can play, the Knicks walk into Philadelphia with one of their best stoppers and one of their hottest scorers. If he cannot, the challenge gets steeper, even with New York holding the series lead.
Josh Hart Injury Adds to Knicks Injury Concern
GettyJosh Hart, New York Knicks
In addition to the uncertainty about Anunoby, the Knicks are also dealing with a few other injuries on their roster as they prepare for Game 3. Josh Hart is questionable with a left thumb sprain, which occurred in the second half of Game 2 during a collision with Sixers guard Quentin Grimes.
Hart, after the incident, returned to the floor and still managed 44 minutes, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, but the sprain was severe enough that he was sent for an X-ray.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Knicks Star Reveals Unique Way to Get OG Anunoby Back and Healthy appeared first on HEAVY.