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Knicks’ OG Anunoby gets murky injury update from Tom Thibodeau ahead of Game 6

Originally posted on ClutchPoints | By Brett Siegel | Last updated 5/16/24

Whether or not OG Anunoby can return for the New York Knicks’ current playoff series against the Indiana Pacers seems to be the biggest question mark right now. Anunoby, who has missed three straight games as a result of a left hamstring injury, is an instrumental part of the Knicks’ overall success. With him on the court, including during the playoffs, the Knicks have posted a 26-5 record. New York is 2-0 against Indiana in the postseason when Anunoby plays.

Currently leading the Pacers 3-2 and heading back to Indianapolis for Game 6, the Knicks have been watching Anunoby closely as he looks to make progress from his hamstring injury. No official injury designation has been given to Anunoby ahead of this critical game on Friday night, but Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau recently spoke with reporters, offering a brief message on his forward’s whereabouts.

“He’s doing a little bit more,” Thibodeau said on Thursday via SNY Knicks. “But we’ll see where he is tomorrow.”

Very little information has been given as to the severity of Anunoby’s hamstring injury. However, the team has been preparing to be without their two-way wing for the remainder of the series.

Still, there remains a small possibility that Anunoby could be ready to play in the Knicks’ most important game of the season on Friday night.

Knicks return to Indiana for Game 6

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) argues with New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) during the second half during game five of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Tensions are always high in playoff series. The stakes are even higher when everything is knotted up at 2-2. This was the case in Game 5 on Tuesday night, when the Knicks picked up a 121-91 victory over the Pacers, a game in which both teams were jawing at one another all night.

So far, the home team has won every game of this Eastern Conference Semifinals series between New York and Indiana. In order for the Knicks to break this cycle and advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2000, they are going to need to be locked in for the challenge ahead. This is especially true if Anunoby is unable to go, as more weight is put on the backs of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.

The Knicks are a tough and gritty team, though, and Hart echoed these traits ahead of Game 6.

“Energy. Energy and physicality,” Hart stated on Thursday via SNY. “The last time we were in that building, we got our butts kicked. We got blown out by 30. We didn’t embody what Thibs is, what this team is, what the city is. It was embarrassing. In Game 6, we need to come out with energy, with physicality, and just a sense of toughness and resilience.”

After the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, they are now waiting comfortably in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks can punch their ticket for a date with Boston if they are able to take down the Pacers on their home court in Game 6.

This article first appeared on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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