Knicks forward OG Anunoby reportedly has hamstring strain, status for Game 3 vs. 76ers unclear

If he misses any time, it would leave a massive hole in the Knicks' lineup. The positive here is that, with the Knicks up 2-0 in the series, they could take a cautious approach with Anunoby, who has a history of hamstring strains (a left hamstring strain kept him out of Games 3-6 of the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals).

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Jasmyn Wimbish

On the other side, the 76ers were without Joel Embiid in Game 2 with hip soreness and an ankle sprain, so New York may not need to be at full strength against a Philadelphia team that struggled offensively in the fourth quarter in Game 2. If the Knicks can go into Game 3 without Anunoby and find success, it could provide added flexibility for Anunoby to rehab the hamstring. However, if Embiid returns for Game 3 and is healthy going forward, the Knicks would certainly need the added defensive presence Anunoby provides, especially when Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson inevitably get into foul trouble defending the Sixers big man.

For now, though, with Anunoby questionable for Game 3, that means Brown will likely call on Miles McBride to fill that fifth starter spot. McBride's scoring can fill some of the void left by Anunoby, and he's a pest defensively, which will come in handy as the Knicks will continue to try to slow Sixers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey.

If McBride has to fill a larger role with Anunoby out, he's more than ready for the opportunity.

"Extremely comfortable. I feel like the coaching staff trusts me, I know my teammates trust me and I trust myself overall," McBride said when asked how he feels taking on a larger role. "So if that happens, I know I'll be ready."