NEW YORK — The New York Knicks are expected to receive a major boost ahead of the 2026 ECF with knicks playoff riser OG Anunoby likely to return for Game 1 barring any setbacks. According to Real GM, Anunoby is expected to be available after missing time with a hamstring injury suffered in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. For the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers, that is probably the last update they wanted to hear.
Knicks Playoff Riser OG Anunoby To Make Sensational Return In Game 1 Of The 2026 ECF
Through eight playoff games, Anunoby has averaged 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks while putting together one of the best two-way playoff runs in the league. He held Jalen Johnson and Paul George to the low 40s, VJ Edgecombe to 33% and reigning Most Improved Player Nickeil Alexander-Walker to just 25%. Quietly, the knicks playoff riser has become one of the biggest reasons behind New York’s postseason dominance.
Anunoby hasn’t played since suffering the injury during a dunk attempt in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks still closed out the Philadelphia 76ers in Games 3 and 4 without him, which probably says enough about how dangerous this team currently looks. He participated in portions of the Knicks’ practice on Wednesday and is expected to have at least four days to continue recovering before Game 1 tips off. The earliest the ECF can begin is Sunday, May 17, 2026.
When fully healthy, Anunoby returning gives New York its best perimeter defender back at the perfect time. And with their playoff riser trending toward availability, the Knicks suddenly look even scarier heading into the ECF.
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