When will OG Anunoby return? Injury updates, timeline and more to know about Knicks star's hamstring strain

OG Anunoby has quietly been one of the best players in the playoffs, helping lead the New York Knicks to a commanding eries lead in the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, in Game 2, Anunoby suffered an injury that led to his early exit as the Knicks secured a close victory. Anunoby played 37 minutes on the night, scoring 24 points for his fifth 20-point game of the playoffs, but New York had to close it out without him.

Anunoby has a concerning injury history, having missed playoff games before due to various issues, and he would be a major loss for a Knicks team that looks strong thus far. Still, New York has enough depth to potentially replace him in the short term.

Here's the latest on Anunoby's status.

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What is OG Anunoby's injury?

Late in Game 2 against the 76ers, Anunoby suffered a right hamstring strain and missed the final 2:30 of the Knicks' victory. The injury appeared to occur after Anunoby had a hard drive to the lane, but pulled up after not getting the ball. 

Anunoby then got the ball and tried to dunk, but was clearly hampered as he was unable to finish the play. After Mikal Bridges made a jumper, Anunoby signaled to the bench to be substituted out of the game.

Anunoby has a history of hamstring injuries, including in the playoffs two years ago when the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. In his career, Anunoby has never played in more than 74 games, as he appeared in 67 contests during this year's regular season.

When will OG Anunoby return?

Head coach Mike Brown announced that Anunoby will miss Game 4 as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Anunoby also missed out on New York's Game 3 win over Philadelphia.

Mike Brown shares that OG Anunoby is out for today's Game 4 matchup with the 76ers: pic.twitter.com/bL31QPbsHh

He was listed as questionable heading into Friday night, but was downgraded to OUT prior to tip-off. He is considered day-to-day, according to Brown. On Saturday, Brown told reporters that the decision on Anunoby's status will be determined solely by the medical staff.

SNY's Ian Begley previously reported that there was "optimisim" that Anunoby can play in either Game 3 or Game 4 in Philadelphia this weekend.

Hamstring strains are tricky, as a player's return date depends on the severity of the injury. Low-grade hamstring injuries can heal within a week, while more severe hamstring injuries can take several weeks, and sometimes months, before being back to normal.

Anunoby's injury doesn't appear too serious, as his status for Friday night is a positive sign. Still, it may be too ambitious to believe Anunoby can return just two days after suffering the injury.

With the Knicks up 3-0 in the series, they can afford to be cautious and evaluate Anunoby before each game. Games 3-6 in this series feature one day off before each contest, while Game 7 would give the teams two days off from the end of Game 6.

Knicks-76ers schedule