The New York Knicks were already dealing with a number of injuries, and now they have lost another key player. OG Anunoby has been ruled out for Game 2 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with a lower body injury.
The New York Knicks are dealing with another injury, as OG Anunoby has been ruled out for Game 2 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with a lower body injury.
Anunoby suffered the injury in the second half of Wednesday's Game 1, and he did not return to the game. The Knicks announced the injury in a statement on Thursday morning.
"An MRI performed this morning revealed a lower body injury for OG Anunoby," the Knicks said. "He will be out indefinitely."
The Knicks are already without several key players, including RJ Barrett (knee), Mitchell Robinson (foot), and Derrick Rose (ankle). Anunoby's injury is a further blow to a team that is already struggling to stay afloat in the playoffs.
The Knicks lost Game 1 to the Pacers 105-94, and they will need to win Game 2 on Friday night to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole.
Anunoby has been a key player for the Knicks this season, averaging 10.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, and he is also a capable three-point shooter.
The Knicks will need to find a way to fill the void left by Anunoby's absence. They could start Kevin Knox at small forward, or they could move Reggie Bullock to small forward and start Damyean Dotson at shooting guard.
No matter who starts, the Knicks will need to get more production from their bench. They were outscored 30-15 by the Pacers' bench in Game 1, and they will need to improve that number in Game 2.
The Knicks are facing an uphill battle against the Pacers, but they will need to find a way to win Game 2 if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
