Going into Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks are aware that they won’t have OG AnunobyOG Anunoby. However, his availability beyond that is uncertain.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski updated his status for Game 5 on a recent episode of NBA Countdown on May 11.
“There has not been enough progress yet to think that his return is likely in Game 5 on Tuesday,” Wojnarowski said. “After Game 5 on Tuesday, there are two days off before Game 6 on Friday. So there may be some hope then. But the Knicks will need to keep winning and try to end this series without OG Anunoby. The Knicks’ roster is being tested by injuries.”
Anunoby injured his hamstring in Game 2 on May 8.
, forcing him out for the rest of the game and subsequently ruling him out for Games 3 and 4.
Wojnarowski’s recent update also suggests that playing in Game 5 is unlikely.
With the Knicks leading 2-1 against the Pacers, they will play the next two games without their top defender, aiming to win the series.
And backup Precious Achiuwa will do his best to minimize the impact of Anunoby's absence as the newest member of New York’s starting lineup.
Fortunately, the latest NBA injury report had some positive news for the New York Knicks.
Brunson Will Play Game 4
The NBA’s The May 11 injury report hints at some optimism for New York.
Jalen Brunson, previously listed as questionable for Game 3, isn’t listed at all for Game 4.
This is the best news for the Knicks, suggesting that he’s recovering from the right foot soreness that caused him to miss most of the first half in Game 2.
The only thing that would make the Knicks more optimistic is the list of injured Indiana players on the report.
Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 35 points in Game 3, is listed as questionable with “low back spasms, sacral contusion,” and “right ankle sprain.”
Aaron Nesmith, who has spent a lot of time guarding Brunson, is also listed with “right shoulder soreness.”
The physical toll of this series seems to be affecting both teams. If true, Game 4 will undoubtedly be as intense as the rest of the series.
Achiuwa's Struggles in Game 3
Precious Achiuwa did not perform as well as Anunoby in Game 3, his first start for the Knicks since March 10.
He ended the game with 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 21 minutes, with a -6 plus/minus.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau did not spend much time matching him up with Siakam.
Achiuwa was repeatedly outplayed by the two-time All-Star and 2019 champion.
Siakam ended Game 3 with 26 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes, his best performance of the series so far.
Without Anunoby, New York will need to focus more on a defensive style that relies on help defense to stop Siakam.
But now there’s the added challenge of guarding Haliburton, who has improved since a poor performance in Game One.
It's a tough situation for Thibodeau, coaching a team that is outmatched and understaffed in a Conference Semifinals series.
But those who know the Knicks head coach know that he rarely prefers it any other way.
And as Game 4 approaches, his team still has the higher chance of winning.
Knicks’ Series Odds Up 2-1
According to Land of Basketball, out of all 164 Conference Semifinals series that started 2-1, the team with the lead won 79.9 percent of the time.
The Phoenix Suns are the last team to lose a 2-0 advantage in the second round, when they were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in 2022.
So it seems the Pacers still have a low chance of winning.
But with many players injured and unable to play for the Knicks, there's an immeasurable factor in the series.
The same applies to New York’s demonstrated ability to win consistently despite the absence of many players.
As long as they have Jalen Brunson.
They will in Game 4.
