OG Anunoby is practicing. Whether he plays in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals is still uncertain.
The New York Knicks forward was a full participant in Monday’s practice, coach Mike Brown told reporters. He stopped short of saying Anunoby would be available for Game 1 on Tuesday, May 19 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brown deflected when asked about his availability by saying he takes his cues from the medical staff.
Advertisement
The Knicks have reason to be cautious.
Anunoby hurt his left hamstring late in a win over Indiana in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals. He missed the next four games before returning for Game 7, only to be pulled after just five minutes when it became clear he lacked mobility. The Knicks seemed to have learned their lesson about rushing him back.
NBA conference finals predictions, odds: Experts pick series winners
This time, Anunoby insists things are different. After injuring the hamstring in the final minutes of Game 2 against Philadelphia, he was very deliberate in his rehabilitation. He started with work in the pool and weight room before progressing to the court, where he said he has been able to sprint. Monday was his third day of full practice.
Advertisement
The reason everyone will be waiting on that final roster announcement for Tuesday night’s game is because Anunoby has been arguably the Knicks’ best player this postseason. He was averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range. Miles McBride stepped into the starting lineup when Anunoby went down and answered the call. He scored 25 points by shooting 7-of-9 from three-point range in the series-clinching Game 4 over Philadelphia.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks OG Anunoby practices, Game 1 status unclear
