Knicks News: Doctor Offers Grim Advice on OG Anunoby Return Timeline

There's been no question that when OG Anunoby is in the New York Knicks lineup, they become a nearly unbeatable team. But when he is absent, the Knicks roster takes on a whole different vibe.

Having missed the last two playoff games with a hamstring injury, Anunoby's return is on everyone's mind in New York. However, Ian Begley of SNY solicited a report from an orthopedic doctor, and it provides a grim diagnosis.

"It's impossible to predict...without having all...information, including exam & imaging, but recovery...usually lies in the weeks, not days, timeframe."

Doctor at @nyulangone offers some context on OG Anunoby’s hamstring based on known rehab stage: https://t.co/2TsI3H2fde
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 14, 2024

While we don't know the exact severity of Anunoby's hamstring strain, "It's impossible to predict...without having all...information, including exam & imaging," Dr. Guillem Gonzalez-Lomas at NYU Langone Health says, "but recovery is based on time... (and) usually lies in the weeks, not days, timeframe."

He adds that Anunoby "should not be rushed back before the muscle is ready.

"The zeal to return as soon as possible can create a risk for recurrence and potentially a more severe, debilitating injury. The mildest cases will sideline players for at least 1-2 weeks, if not longer."

This is not what the Knicks need to hear, as the Indiana Pacers laid a beating on them in Game 4 of their Conference Semi-Final series to knot things at two games apiece. In this series, New York is 2-0 with OG, and 0-2 without him. Game 5 is at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night.

Anunoby had a ridiculous +353 with the Knicks in his 23 regular season games, with a 20-3 record. Without him, they simply aren't the same team. He also sat out several weeks during the season with an elbow injury, and has battled health issues his entire career, topping the 50-game mark only once (67 games) in the last four seasons.