Miles

McBride

Anunoby missed Games 3 and 4 of the Knicks’ series against the 76ers, but he is expected to return to take on Cleveland. This doesn’t come as a surprise after he was a full participant in practice last week. Miles McBride replaced him in the starting lineup but will head back to the bench with Anunoby likely to return.

After sweeping Philadelphia in the conference semifinals, the earliest that the Knicks will play again is on Sunday, May 17. Anunoby has been out since suffering a minor strain of his right hamstring during the latter stages of Game 2 of the conference semifinals and has not played since. He has been limited to individual work in recent practices, but there’s reportedly optimism that the forward will be ready for Game 1. If Detroit can force a Game 7, the conference finals would not begin until May 19, which would mean 13 days to recover for Anunoby. Miles McBride has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and he made seven three-pointers in the series-clinching Game 4 rout of the 76ers.

After offering limited production as OG Anunoby’s replacement in the starting lineup for Game 3, McBride was outstanding in Sunday’s series clincher. Deuce shot 7-of-9 from beyond the arc, sinking one fewer three pointer than the 76ers did as a team. McBride led the Knicks in scoring, while Landry Shamet contributed 12 points and four three-pointers in 11 minutes off the bench. What their roles will be in the conference finals depends on Anunoby’s hamstring, which he strained late in Game 2.

Anunoby is set to miss his second consecutive game in this series after injuring his hamstring in the fourth quarter of Game 2. The Knicks won Game 3 without him and with a 3-0 lead in the series can be cautious with the 28-year-old small forward’s injury. Miles McBride could start again in Game 4 with Landry Shamet seeing additional minutes off the bench in Anunoby’s absence.

Injured during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory, Anunoby did not play in Friday’s win that gave New York a 3-0 series lead. Miles McBride moved into the starting lineup, and Anunoby’s absence also meant more opportunities for Landry Shamet, who scored 15 points off the bench. Look for those two to continue in those roles for Game 4 if Anunoby remains out.

On a night when the Knicks were without OG Anunoby (hamstring), Shamet stepped up with his most productive game of these playoffs. He didn’t start Game 3, with Miles McBride (three points, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer) receiving the nod, but Shamet was more productive and logged 27 minutes to Deuce’s 21. With New York now leading the series three games to none, there’s little need for them to force anything regarding Anunoby’s hamstring. Don’t be surprised if they stick with the same rotation of McBride and Shamet for Game 4.

The Knicks will not have OG Anunoby for Game 3, as he is out with a strained right hamstring. They get a little smaller with the replacement, as McBride moves into the starting five. The other four starters are unchanged.

While the strained right hamstring that Anunoby suffered during the fourth quarter of Game 2 is not believed to be serious, he will not play on Friday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson being potential replacements. Robinson would likely be an option only if Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) is available for the 76ers.

Anunoby injured his right hamstring during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the 76ers. He has since been diagnosed with a strain and will be considered day-to-day, with a questionable tag for Friday’s Game 3. If Anunoby can’t play, Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson are potential replacements in the starting lineup.

Anunoby has been on a roll recently, with his play among the reasons the Knicks have looked like the team best equipped to come out of the East. However, there is now a serious injury concern, as the versatile forward pulled up lame and asked out of Wednesday’s victory with about three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Anunoby was seen reaching for his right hamstring, and while the team had no information after the game, this is a concern. Anunoby suffered a strained hamstring during Game 2 of the Knicks’ 2024 second-round series against the Pacers, with his return for Game 7 lasting a few minutes before needing to exit. Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are potential replacements in the starting lineup if Anunoby has to miss time.