The battered and bruised New York Knicks cruised to an impressive 121-91 victory in Game 5 over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.
In addition to taking a 3-2 series lead, the Knicks also received some potential good news: OG Anunoby has progressed to light work on the court. That sets up a possible return soon.
According to Adam Zagoria of NJ.comESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “Get Up” on Wednesday that while Anunoby is likely to miss Game 6 in Indianapolis on Friday, it’s a “possibility” that Anunoby will return afterward, either for Game 7 or the start of the season. Eastern Conference Finals. .
TNT’s Chris Haynes reported Tuesday during Game 5 that the Eastern Conference Finals, should the Knicks get there, was a “likely goal” for Anunoby’s return date.
Anunoby injured his hamstring in Game 2 against the Pacers in the series and hasn’t played since. The Knicks are already without Julius Randle, Bojan Bogdanovic and Mitchell Robinson for the remainder of the playoffs.
The outlook for Anunoby looked bleaker earlier in the week. As of Monday, Anunoby was still not up and running and was only working on the pool. ESPN and MSG Network play-by-play announcer Mike Breen had said he didn’t believe Anunoby was “close” to returning.
However, the extra day off between Games 5 and 6 between the Knicks and Pacers will benefit Anunoby and the Knicks. If the series reaches a do-or-die Game 7 on Sunday, it seems at least possible that the Knicks’ best defender could suit up.
