May 6, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) reacts after a basket during the second quarter of game one of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Playoffs-Indiana Pacers at New York Knicks
(New York, NY) – As the Knicks deal with a series of injuries to significant players, one has been especially prominent during New York’s second round series with Indiana. In the 4th quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 win, OG Anunoby drove to the basket and came down hard – injuring his hamstring.
It just so happened to occur during what was one of Anunoby’s best offensive games of the season. And – in an especially cruel twist – just two quarters after Jalen Bruson hurt his foot, and injury that’s clearly hobbling the Knicks’ star.
All the while, Julius Randle’s absence also looms large.
So is there any hope for Anunoby returning before the end of the series? It could be tough. At the very least, Game 5 is basically an impossibility – according to experts.
Dr. Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the Sports Medicine Center at NYU Langone Health.
He spoke to SNY and said Anunoby has not made enough progress to be considered an option on Tuesday: “Based on reports that he has not been running and only doing pool work, it is unlikely that he would be cleared to play on Tuesday.” What about Game 6? Dr. Gonzalez-Lomas offered the following in a back-and-forth chat:
“Recovery from a hamstring strain is contingent on training room rehab but probably, more importantly, on time. It is impossible to predict return to play without having all of the information, including exam and imaging, but recovery from these injuries usually lies in the weeks, not days, timeframe. … Most importantly, he should not be rushed back before the muscle is ready. The zeal to return as soon as possible can create a risk for recurrence and potentially a more severe, debilitating injury. The mildest cases will sideline players for at least 1-2 weeks, if not longer.”
The doctor went on to explain that in concert with Anunoby, and while reviewing data from things like MRI scans, medical staff will look to limit the hamstring’s recovery time. Of course he also adds the human body has no known shortcuts.
