OG Anunoby, Knicks
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OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks loses his shoe during the first overtime period against the Denver Nuggets.
The New York Knicks face fresh uncertainty heading into Friday night’s marquee matchup against the Eastern Conference’s top seed, the Detroit Pistons, with starting forward OG Anunoby unexpectedly listed as questionable on the NBA injury report.
Anunoby is dealing with right toe soreness, a late addition that complicates preparation for a Knicks team already navigating a growing list of health concerns during a critical stretch of the season.
Heavy Workload Preceded Knicks Star’s Injury Listing
The injury designation comes less than 48 hours after Anunoby logged 40 minutes in New York’s 134–127 double-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden.
Anunoby finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while also drawing extended defensive assignments against Nikola Jokić, the three-time MVP. His two-way workload was among the heaviest on the roster as the Knicks leaned on their starters to close out the win.
The Knicks have not indicated whether the soreness is the result of a specific play or cumulative load.
Josh Hart’s Role Grows if Anunoby Sits Knicks vs. Pistons
If Anunoby is unable to go, Josh Hart is expected to shoulder a larger role against a Pistons team known for its physicality on both ends of the floor.
Hart, who missed one game with an ankle injury, was upgraded to probable after exiting Tuesday’s win over the Washington Wizards early. He did not play in Wednesday’s double-overtime victory but is on track to return Friday.
Hart has been one of New York’s most consistent contributors this season, averaging 12.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.2 steals while routinely defending multiple positions. His energy, rebounding, and connective playmaking have made him a staple in coach Mike Brown’s rotation.
With injuries mounting, Hart’s versatility looms as a key factor against Detroit’s size and depth.
Young Depth Could Be Tested
Anunoby’s status could also open the door for additional minutes from rookie Mohamed Diawara.
The 20-year-old French forward logged 14 minutes off the bench against Denver, scoring five points while providing length and defensive activity. Diawara has been used sparingly this season, but could be pressed into action if the Knicks are short-handed on the wing.
Towns Doubtful After Eye Injury
Anunoby’s late injury listing adds to the uncertainty surrounding Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been downgraded to doubtful after suffering a significant eye laceration in Wednesday’s win.
Towns was injured late in the first quarter when he drove to the rim and collided heads with Nuggets forward Spencer Jones. His right eye was bloodied on the play after being fouled. Jones exited shortly thereafter and did not return, later entering concussion protocol.
Despite the severity of the cut, Towns stayed on the floor to make both free throws before heading to the locker room. He received several stitches and returned with 3:11 remaining in the second quarter wearing a bandage.
He immediately made an impact, scoring seven straight points and later throwing a long outlet pass to Anunoby for a breakaway dunk during a 9–0 Knicks run.
Backcourt Also Shorthanded
The Knicks’ injury concerns extend beyond the frontcourt.
Earlier Thursday, Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that Knicks guard Miles McBride is expected to undergo surgery Friday to address a core muscle injury (sports hernia) and could be sidelined until the playoffs, citing league sources.
New York moved quickly to address the loss, acquiring Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans. However, Alvarado is not with the team in Detroit.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Alvarado and Dalen Terry must still pass physicals before joining their respective teams.
As the Knicks put their momentum to the test against the East’s top seed, Anunoby’s status now looms as the latest variable in a rapidly shifting injury landscape.