OG Anunoby Questionable for Knicks Game 4 vs 76ers – May 2026
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby is listed as questionable for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday, May 10, after tweaking his right hamstring in Game 2. If he cannot play, coach Tom Thibodeau will likely keep Miles McBride in the starting lineup, while Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson see expanded minutes.
The hamstring strain came during the Knicks’ Game 2 win, where Anunoby logged a season‑high 29 points before exiting with the leg issue. He missed the decisive Game 3, forcing the club to adjust its wing rotation and lean on bench depth.
What does Anunoby’s injury mean for the Knicks’ Game 4 strategy?
Without Anunoby, New York must replace his 3.8 defensive win shares per 48 minutes with a less versatile defender, likely shifting McBride to a primary scoring role. The Knicks’ spacing suffers because Anunoby averages 1.9 three‑point attempts per game, stretching defenses that have been key to their recent success.
Recent performance and health timeline
In Game 1, Anunoby contributed 18 points and solid perimeter defense, helping the Knicks secure a narrow win. He then tweaked his right hamstring in Game 2, returned briefly before exiting, and was ruled out for Game 3. The latest report lists him as questionable for Game 4, leaving his status in limbo.
Key developments
- Anunoby’s hamstring injury was first reported after he landed awkwardly on a defender’s foot in the second quarter of Game 2.
- The Knicks have used a 3‑4 defensive scheme all series, relying on Anunoby’s ability to guard multiple positions; his absence forces a shift to a more zone‑heavy look.
- Statistically, Anunoby has posted a true shooting % of 58.2% this postseason, ranking third among Knicks wing players.
- Contractually, Anunoby is entering the final year of a four‑year, $84 million deal, making his health a focal point for next summer’s free‑agency negotiations.
- Analysts note that the Knicks’ net rating dropped 2.3 points per 100 possessions in the games he missed, underscoring his impact on both ends.
Impact and what’s next for New York
Should Anunoby sit out Game 4, the Knicks will lean on McBride’s 12.4 points per game and Clarkson’s playmaking to offset lost scoring. The 76ers, meanwhile, will target the Knicks’ weakened wing defense with a more aggressive pick‑and‑roll attack. Coach Thibodeau’s adjustments will likely emphasize quicker ball movement to compensate for reduced spacing. If Anunoby returns, his defensive versatility could swing the series back in New York’s favor, especially in late‑game matchups where the 76ers’ frontcourt tends to dominate.
What are OG Anunoby’s career playoff averages?
Across three postseason appearances, Anunoby averages 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, with a defensive rating of 104.5, according to NBA historical data.
How does Anunoby’s contract compare to other Knicks wing players?
At $84 million over four years, Anunoby’s deal ranks among the top three paid wings on the roster, behind RJ Barrett’s $91 million extension and Jalen Brunson’s $106 million contract.
When did the Knicks first acquire OG Anunoby?
New York traded for Anunoby on July 6, 2023, sending a 2025 second‑round pick and cash to the Toronto Raptors in a three‑team deal that also involved the Boston Celtics.
