New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown gives OG Anunoby practise update.
New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown gives OG Anunoby practise update.
The New York Knicks are sitting in an enviable position: rested, and riding one of the longest playoff winning streak in franchise history.
But the big question is: will OG Anunoby be ready for the first game of the Conference Finals? The last report from head coach Mike Brown is quite hopeful but at the same time very cautious, and any Knicks fan would do well to take note of it.
OG Anunoby Participates in Parts of Knicks Practice
Mike Brown Reveals Key Detail About OG Anunoby Ahead of Knicks Clash
GettyMike Brown Reveals Key Detail About OG Anunoby Ahead of Knicks Clash
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby took a positive step toward his return on Wednesday, participating in parts of practice ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, he did not take part in the live scrimmage session when the team went full speed.
“He practiced today in some aspects of it. Some parts of practice he did,” head coach Mike Brown said. “He did — when we went live, he didn’t go live.”
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OG Anunoby participated in “some parts” of practice today for the Knicks
He did not participate in the live scrimmage session
That’s not a green light, but it’s not a red flag either. Brown made it clear that the timeline is entirely in the medical staff’s hands.
Insider Expect OG Anunoby to Play Game 1 for the New York Knicks
However, Brown’s cautious words did not stop the coverage of Anunoby from being very positive overall. ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated that there is a strong belief that Anunoby will be able to play in the Eastern Conference Finals’ first game if no problems arise. “The expectation and hope is that he will be a go for Game 1,” Charania said.
SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley also said that Anunoby’s return is a near certainty for Game 1.
Anunoby has been sidelined since suffering a right hamstring strain in Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 6.
New York Knicks ECF Schedule, And Why Timing Helps Anunoby
OG Anunoby during Knicks playoff game as he works toward return from hamstring injury
GettyMike Brown Drops Important OG Anunoby Hint Ahead of Knicks Game 1
The date for the Knicks’ Game 1 is yet to be decided as it depends entirely on the Cleveland-Detroit series. If the Cavs are able to finish the series in Game 6 on May 15, then New York will be Game 1 home on May 17. However, if it goes to Game 7, then the date for the first game will be pushed to May 19 which allows Anunoby a total of 10 to 12 days of recovery.
The extra day or two can make all the difference with a hamstring injury. The more days Anunoby gets to recover and heal properly without being rushed.