Knicks expect OG Anunoby return for Eastern Conference Finals

By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net

Optimism rises within the New York Knicks as British starting forward OG Anunoby tracks toward a return from a right hamstring strain for the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, there is a strong expectation that the 28-year-old will play in Game 1, barring setbacks. Evaluated daily, the Knicks are gradually reintroducing him to basketball activities.

Anunoby recently participated in portions of Wednesday’s practice and held an individual workout. Though he skipped live contact drills, he was seen shooting afterward. Head coach Mike Brown expressed encouragement but remains cautious, waiting for medical updates closer to the weekend.

The London native injured his hamstring late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. Though he missed the next two games, his side completed a series sweep. This swift victory awards Anunoby a total of 11 recovery days before the next round begins, potentially this Sunday.

His return remains critical for New York’s postseason run. As the Knicks’ second-leading scorer behind Jalen Brunson, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals through eight playoff games. He anchors the lineup with remarkable efficiency, shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range.

NBA Playoffs 2026

Eastern Conference

Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)

Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 4-3 (101-112, 98-83, 105-113, 88-94, 116-109, 93-79, 116-94)
Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 4-3 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126, 89-93, 125-120, 110-112, 114-102)
New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 4-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109, 114-98, 126-97, 140-89)
Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 3-4 (123-91, 97-111, 108-100, 128-96, 97-113, 93-106, 100-109)

Semifinals (best-of-seven)

Detroit Pistons – Cleveland Cavaliers 2-3 (111-101, 107-97, 109-116, 103-112, 113-117)
New York Knicks – Philadelphia 76ers 4-0 (137-98, 108-102, 108-94, 144-114)

Finals (best-of-seven)

Detroit Pistons – New York Knicks / New York Knicks – Cleveland Cavaliers

Western Conference

Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)

Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122)
Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 4-2 (107-98, 101-94, 112-108, 96-115, 93-99, 98-78)
Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 2-4 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113, 96-112, 125-113, 98-110)
San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 4-1 (111-98, 103-106, 120-108, 114-93, 114-95)

Semifinals (best-of-seven)

Oklahoma City Thunder – Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 (108-90, 125-107, 131-108, 115-110)
San Antonio Spurs – Minnesota Timberwolves 3-2 (102-104, 133-95, 115-108, 109-114, 126-97)

Finals (best-of-seven)

Oklahoma City Thunder – San Antonio Spurs / Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)

Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions

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