Knicks optimistic OG Anunoby could return for Eastern Conference Finals

ESPN reported on May 13 that there is growing optimism New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby could return from a right hamstring injury by the start of the Eastern Conference finals. The report, attributed to ESPN’s Shams Charania, did not cite a firm return date from the team. The Knicks have already advanced after a 4-0 second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers, giving Anunoby additional recovery time before New York’s next series begins. (abc7ny.com) The NBA’s official playoff schedule lists the Knicks against the winner of Detroit-Cleveland, with dates for the East finals still to be announced. (forbes.com) ### What exactly has been reported about Anunoby’s timetable? Shams Charania said on ESPN that there is growing optimism Anunoby will be back by the start of the Eastern Conference finals, according to ESPN’s May 13 report. (nba.com) The wording stopped short of a team declaration that he will play in Game 1, and the Knicks had not publicly announced a definitive clearance date in the reporting cited. Forbes, citing Charania’s on-air report, said there was an expectation Anunoby could play in Game 1 of the conference finals barring setbacks. That remains a projection rather than an official team status update. (abc7ny.com) ### How did Anunoby get hurt, and what has the team said? ESPN reported last week that Anunoby was diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and labeled day to day after leaving Game 2 of the second-round series. He exited late in New York’s 108-102 win over Philadelphia after appearing to injure his leg. The Associated Press reported Anunoby was ruled out for Games 3 and 4 against the 76ers because of the strain. (abc7ny.com) AP also said he had scored 24 points in Game 2 before the injury. ### What is the most concrete sign of progress so far? (forbes.com) Wednesday’s practice provided the clearest public sign of movement in Anunoby’s recovery. The New York Daily News reported that Anunoby participated in “some parts” of practice but did not take part in the team scrimmage, citing head coach Mike Brown. Brown said, “The stuff that he went through, he looked fine,” according to the report. (espn.com) MSN, aggregating the update, also described the practice work as Anunoby’s first on-court participation since the injury. That does not amount to full clearance, but it is the latest reported step in his return process. (apnews.com) ### Why does the timing matter for New York? New York’s 4-0 series win over Philadelphia matters because it created a longer gap before the conference finals. The NBA’s official playoff page shows the Knicks already through, while Detroit and Cleveland were still playing a semifinal series with Game 6 set for May 15 and Game 7, if necessary, on May 17. That schedule means the Knicks can wait on the outcome of Detroit-Cleveland while Anunoby continues treatment and practice work. (nydailynews.com) The league has not yet posted East finals game dates on its official schedule page. ### What should readers watch next? The next concrete marker will be the Knicks’ injury report and any official game-status designation once the Eastern Conference finals schedule is set. (msn.com) Mike Brown’s next media availability and the team’s next practice report are likely to provide the clearest public updates on whether Anunoby progresses from partial practice work to full participation. (nba.com) Detroit and Cleveland are scheduled to play Game 6 on Friday, May 15, according to NBA.com, with a Game 7 on Sunday, May 17, if needed. Once that series ends, the league is expected to fill in the Knicks’ conference finals dates and matchup on the official playoff schedule. (nba.com) (nydailynews.com)