The New York Knicks are coming off a hard-fought 130-121 Game 2 victory over the Indiana Pacers. New York went up 2-0 in the series with their win. However, the Knicks' injury report for Game 3 has been dealt with concerning updates after Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby's Game 2 scares.
Knicks get cloudy Jalen Brunson, OG Anunony injury report updates
Anunoby is out for Game 3 in Indianapolis, while Brunson is listed as questionable, per the NBA's official injury report. Both stars are crucial to New York's attack. Hopefully, they can get the treatment they need to make a speedy recovery.
OG Anunoby left during the second half of Game 2 with a hamstring injury and did not return. It appears his ailment will require more recovery than originally hoped. The Knicks need him fully healthy to help their two-way efforts.
Anunoby has been stellar on both sides of the ball since his midseason arrival from the Toronto Raptors. He averaged 14.1 points, shot 39.4 percent on three-pointers, and tallied 1.7 steals per game during the last half of the season. Anunoby further elevated his offense in the postseason.
The 26-year-old has amassed averages of 16.0 points at 39.5 percent three-pointing shooting accuracy through eight playoff games. Anunoby's absence hurts New York, but hopefully, their go-to star Jalen Brunson will be well enough to play in Game 3.
Brunson left Game 2 shortly before halftime with left foot soreness. At that point, the Pacers led the Knicks by 10. However, Brunson returned to the game and helped his team win. He finished with 29 points on Wednesday night, just two days after his 43-point eruption in New York's 121-117 Game 1 victory.
The star guard has been one of the top performers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. He is averaging 35.6 points and 8.1 assists through eight games so far. To say Brunson is important is an understatement. Nevertheless, New York's depth will find a way through amid harsh injury woes.
Knicks have hope despite crippling injury report
The Knicks are one of the deepest teams in the NBA, evidenced by several standout contributors in the 2024 postseason. Josh Hart has stepped up big-time for the Knicks. After averaging 9.4 points and 8.3 rebounds during the regular season, Hart leapt to 18.0 points and 12.8 rebounds through the first part of the playoffs. Moreover, he is shooting a blazing 43.9 percent on three-pointers.
If Hart can continue his jump in production, the Knicks will have great support amid their injury woes. Of course, Hart will not be able to do it by himself. Donte DiVincenzo has been a positive X factor for New York. He chipped in 29 points in Wednesday night's Game 2 win.
Above on-the-court production, DiVincenzo made a big revelation about the Knicks' locker room synergy after the regular season.
“I think we genuinely like each other. It's not BS, it's not for the cameras — I think everybody in this locker room likes each other and everybody in this locker room wants everybody else to succeed. That's the rarity here,” DiVincenzo said.
The Knicks will rely on their depth and chemistry to continue their pressure on the Pacers as a pivotal Game 3 approaches.