OG Anunoby’s hamstring injury just took a concerning turn for the Knicks

PHILADELPHIA — OG Anunoby’s injury return timeline took a concerning left turn ahead of tipoff on Friday.

The Knicks listed Anunoby, who sustained a right hamstring strain in the waning minutes of their Game 2 victory over the 76ers on Wednesday, as questionable for Game 3 before head coach Mike Brown ruled him out ahead of tipoff on Friday.

Brown said Anunoby is day-to-day. When asked, however, whether or not Anunoby can run, Brown deferred to Knicks PR, which responded: “Next question.”

Anunoby limped off the Madison Square Garden floors with a few minutes left in the Knicks’ 108-102 Game 2 victory over the Sixers on Wednesday. The Knicks subsequently ruled him questionable to play in Game 3 with a hamstring strain before Brown ruled him out 90 minutes ahead of tipoff on Friday.

Brown started backup guard Miles McBride in place of the injured Anunoby for Game 3.

“Obviously [Miles] being able to pick up [full-court], it helps because obviously gives whoever he’s guarding a different look than, if they’re [being guarded by] myself,” said Josh Hart. “I’m 31, with some miles. I’m not picking up full [court]. So that gives a different look. Turning someone a couple of times at that point, trying to chew a little bit of the shot clock. So it all helps.”

Anunoby averaged 21.5 points on 61% shooting from the field and 51% shooting from 3-point range in the Knicks’ first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. He scored 18 points on seven-of-eight shooting from the field in Game 1 against the Sixers and had 24 points, five rebounds, four blocks and a steal prior to his injury in Game 2.

Ahead of tipoff, Brown said nothing changes with Anunoby out of the rotation.

“No matter who’s in or out — Mitch [Robinson] was out for us last game — we just have to go out, try to do our job, whatever our job is,” Brown said. “Nobody has to do anything extraordinary. And so defensively and offensively, it’s the same with OG being out. You know, it’s going to be a collective effort for everybody to step up. And, you know, you always talk about next man up, and that’s what it is during this time of year or the regular season.”