The Knicks are optimistic that, barring a setback, forward OG Anunoby will be ready to return from his hamstring strain for the start of the Eastern Conference finals, according to Shams Charania and Vincent Goodwill of ESPN.
The layoff following the Knicks’ second-round sweep has been beneficial for Anunoby, who suffered the hamstring injury in Game 2 of the conference semifinals last Wednesday. Reporting at the time indicated it was a very mild strain, and the veteran wing was listed as questionable for Games 3 and 4 before being downgraded to out for each contest. New York’s next series won’t begin until at least Sunday — it could be pushed back to Tuesday if the Pistons are able to force a Game 7 vs. Cleveland.
Anunoby didn’t do any live, full-speed work during Wednesday’s practice, but he went through portions of that practice and completed an individual workout, as Goodwill details.
“Any time anybody is able to do stuff, you’re encouraged,” head coach Mike Brown said. “But again, that’s what they told me he could do today. I’ll wait until Friday to see what they tell me.”
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- While the Knicks appreciated not having to jump right into their next series without a real break, they’re getting antsy to return to the court and carry over the momentum from their current seven-game winning streak, Josh Hart admitted on Wednesday. “The first series we had what, four days’ break I think it was? That was good enough,” Hart said, per Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press. “This right now, I think at least a week, if not nine days. That’s a long time. So obviously it’s good for recovery, but mentally I’m watching the games, I’m just like just waiting, just waiting to get back out there.”
- While Brown has received plenty of credit for unlocking Karl-Anthony Towns‘ play-making during the playoffs, Jalen Brunson deserves kudos for being willing to play off the ball more frequently, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post. Responding on Wednesday to the suggestion that some stars wouldn’t have taken that change in stride, Brunson replied, “One, I’m not a star. Two, I want to win.”
- If the Knicks are able to advance to the NBA Finals, they could be looking at somewhere in the range of $140-180MM in gross revenue as a result of their playoff run, writes Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico. New York is the only team still alive that ranks among the NBA’s top 10 in gate revenue, according to Badenhausen, who suggests that players on eliminated clubs should be rooting for the Knicks to play as many home games as possible during the next two rounds, since it would increase the league’s basketball-related income for the 2025/26 season.
- Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports takes a closer look at how chemistry and “an absolutely bonkers level of shot-making” have contributed to New York’s historic run through the first two rounds of the postseason, noting that no team has a better point differential through 10 playoff games than this year’s Knicks (+194).
Loving this opportunity that the Knicks have this year. Should be a finals team with Young Detroit not providing enough resistance to hinder that.
You say revenue. what will be their profit after all expenses are taken out. you try to fool people with a fake headline
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@Mr Bob: As far as the players are concerned, profit is meaningless. CBA goes by revenue sharing, not profit sharing.
“ The Knicks haven’t lost since, reeling off seven consecutive victories by an average of 26.4 points. Towns has thrived in a playmaking role, totaling 66 assists this postseason, 44 more than a year ago.”
It all looks good when shots are dropping. This run has been about good looks. And good offense. A lot of it starts with good defense. Knicks have been sharing the ball and playing good D. When they play team ball and stay focused. Good things happen.
Knicks will need OG to keep it going. Their strength is their depth. Thankfully OG has had time to heal. Let’s hope it was, is enough. For Knicks to have a long run. They need everyone. So get well OG. Still would like to see Sochan and Diawara get mins. Brown has to trust his bench.
Also helps playing a Sixers team that had no gas in the tank. Though I have to admit even as a Sixers fan it’s hard not to like the way the Knicks play.
Knicks need to take advantage of the down time and prepare on how Cavs and Pistons play. As you can see last night double team Cunningham and Piston’s offense stalls. They lack a scorer off the bench. For the cavs get in the passing lanes and keep a rim protector near the basket.
For a second I thought the Knicks were layoffing (is that a word) their employees
Trauma I guess lol
Cavs are in the drivers seat now. All about the next game.
Knicks will be favored over either one. So they just have to be ready to go. At this time of year. Any extra rest is welcomed imo. Knicks will be ready to go. Stay focused and committed to team ball. 4 wins, one at a time.