Ahead of Friday night’s Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET, PF OG Anunoby is listed as questionable due to injury.
The 2022-23 steals champ and All-Defensive Team stopper pulled up late in Game 2’s win over Philadelphia, striking a scare into fans and leaving his status for Friday up in the air.
Let’s dive into the latest OG Anunoby injury update, whether Anunoby will play tonight, and who to target on PrizePicks if he sits.
Make your NBA Playoff picks on PrizePicks — including ones for Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 on Friday.
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OG Anunoby Injury Update: Is Anunoby Playing Tonight vs. 76ers?
Anunoby is officially questionable for Game 3 vs. the 76ers, per the NBA injury report on Friday afternoon.
Late in Wednesday night’s 108-102 victory at home, Anunoby was seen grabbing at what appeared to be his right hamstring. He requested to exit the contest shortly thereafter, with the team since confirming that it’s a strain for the versatile forward.
A hamstring issue previously bothered Anunoby earlier this season, causing him to miss nine consecutive games for New York. What’s the latest on the injury this time around? Shams Charania of ESPN provided some insight on Thursday.
“The good news for the Knicks and Anunoby is that I’m told he has avoided a significant or serious-level strain of that hamstring,” Charania said. “He’s going to be evaluated day to day moving forward.”
Charania added that the Knicks would exercise “caution” with Anunoby and that his availability would depend “on the level of treatment” and its effectiveness. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post describes the injury as “minor,” adding to the mostly positive news.
As the Knicks keep an eye on Anunoby, you can still make picks on his PrizePicks projections if he does play. Popular OG Anunoby projections include 16 Points, 4.5 Rebounds (Goblin), 7 Rebs + Asts, and more.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Anunoby Is Out?
Given the nature of soft-tissue injuries and how tricky they can be, it wouldn’t surprise many to see the Knicks hold Anunoby out for a game or two. If he plays, it’s a bonus and a crisis averted. Should he wind up sitting on Friday, what absence would be felt?
According to databallr, the Knicks’ offense was 4.1 points per 100 possessions worse without Anunoby during the regular season. On defense, they performed 1.9 points worse. Thus far in the NBA Playoffs, those impact metrics reflect 10.6 worse and 1.4 better, respectively.
Who might step up if Anunoby is held out of Game 3? The natural recipient of more touches could be All-Star PG Jalen Brunson, whose usage rate climbs by 3.7% without Anunoby in the lineup. SF-SG Josh Hart, who’s probable with a thumb sprain, shoots 3.0% better on true shooting in Anunoby-less minutes.
In the frontcourt, perhaps look to C Karl-Anthony Towns for increased production. When Anunoby rests and recovers, the former No. 1 overall pick produces 3.2 more points per 75.
Here are the Knicks players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Anunoby is out, as well as their stat projections for today.
- Jalen Brunson vs. 76ers Projections: 26.5 Points / 2.5 Rebounds (Goblin) / 6 Assists
- Josh Hart vs. 76ers Projections: 12.5 Points / 9 Rebounds / 5 Assists
- Karl-Anthony Towns vs. 76ers Projections: 20.5 Points / 12 Rebounds / 0.5 3-PT Made (Goblin)
Brunson is the Knicks’ primary ballhandler, so it makes sense that he could rise if Anunoby is out. Don’t rule out a Towns offensive explosion, though, on Friday.
Pick More or Less Knicks player stats on PrizePicks now before tip-off at 7:00.
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Make Knicks vs. 76ers Picks on PrizePicks
OG Anunoby is questionable, and tip-off for Game 3 is quickly approaching. Regardless of whether the standout forward is active, there are ample projections for New York players available on PrizePicks.
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