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3 hours ago
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The New York Knicks fanbase could be clutching their pearls after hearing that OG Anunoby has been listed as a game-time decision ahead of tonight’s home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Anunoby has been dealing with an ankle sprain since the preseason and missed last Thursday’s practice due to the injury.
Anunoby has a history of nagging injuries since arriving in New York, with the most recent being a sprained hand suffered during their game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi earlier this month. He also sat out New York’s final two preseason games as a precaution.
Now, head coach Mike Brown could be forced to make a significant change to the starting lineup if Anunoby is ruled out for the 7:00 p.m. ET tipoff at Madison Square Garden. Having already opted to start second-year big man Ariel Hukporti over Mitchell Robinson, Brown may look to Miles “Deuce” McBride to fill in as the team’s second guard alongside Jalen Brunson.
McBride has proven his worth in limited opportunities as a starter, making an impact on both ends of the floor. Establishing himself as a reliable sixth man under former head coach Tom Thibodeau’s short rotation, McBride is no stranger to stepping up against tough competition when it matters most.
Given the recent slew of injuries New York has faced over the past 48 hours, losing Anunoby would put a noticeable dent in their early-season momentum. Since acquiring him midway through the 2023–2024 regular season, the Knicks have thrived with Anunoby in the lineup, going 65–32 since his arrival. However, the numbers don’t lie when he’s sidelined — New York finished 30–29 without him in 2023–2024 and 6–2 in 2024–2025.
Anunoby’s impact on the Knicks has, without a shadow of a doubt, elevated the team. Whether it’s locking down opponents on the wing or consistently knocking down corner threes, OG continues to make a strong case for just how valuable he is to New York’s success.
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