The New York Knicks received an injury scare late in the NBA regular season after forward OG Anunoby exited Friday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors with a left ankle injury. The veteran wing did not return after leaving in the second quarter, raising concern as the playoffs approach.
The Knicks later confirmed that Anunoby would miss the remainder of the game after suffering the ankle issue during the first half.
What Happened to OG Anunoby?
Anunoby’s injury occurred during the second quarter of the matchup at Madison Square Garden. The forward appeared to trip over Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes’ foot and fell to the floor.
Knicks say OG Anunoby OUT remainder of game due to left ankle pic.twitter.com/fTLZ7rg2Bv
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) April 11, 2026
Although he did not appear to be in serious pain immediately, Anunoby left the game with 7:30 remaining in the second quarter. After heading to the locker room for evaluation, the Knicks ruled him out for the rest of the contest.
When the teams returned from halftime, Anunoby was not on the bench or the court, confirming that his night was over.
OG Anunoby Game Performance Before Injury
Before exiting the game, Anunoby had a quiet statistical performance but still contributed across multiple areas.
| Stat | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 15 |
| Points | 2 |
| Field Goals | 1-4 |
| Three-Point Shooting | 0-3 |
| Rebounds | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
Although he struggled offensively, Anunoby remained active defensively and on the boards before the injury forced him out.
Knicks’ Playoff Timing Makes Injury Concerning
The timing of the injury is not ideal for New York. The NBA playoffs are just days away, and the Knicks are expected to begin their first-round series next weekend.
However, there may still be a positive aspect for the team. The Knicks have several days before their postseason opener, giving Anunoby time to rest and recover if the injury is minor.
New York also has one regular-season game remaining against the Charlotte Hornets. If playoff seeding remains unchanged, that game may have little impact on standings, which could allow the team to give Anunoby extra recovery time.
Possible Impact on Knicks Rotation
With Anunoby sidelined during the game, several players could see increased playing time.
Players Who May Get More Minutes
| Player | Potential Role |
|---|---|
| Mohamed Diawara | Additional forward rotation minutes |
| Jordan Clarkson | More offensive responsibility |
| Landry Shamet | Increased perimeter shooting role |
The Knicks rely heavily on Anunoby’s two-way ability, especially his defensive presence and versatility. His absence could change defensive matchups and rotation plans if the injury keeps him out longer.
OG Anunoby’s Season Performance
Before the injury scare, Anunoby had been a key contributor for the Knicks throughout the season.
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 16.9 |
| Rebounds per game | 5.2 |
| Assists per game | 2.2 |
| Steals per game | 1.6 |
His ability to defend elite scorers, hit perimeter shots, and contribute across the stat sheet has made him one of New York’s most important players.
Injury History This Season
Anunoby has already dealt with multiple health issues during the season.
- Missed nine games earlier due to a hamstring injury
- Missed four additional games after losing a toenail
- Now dealing with a late-season ankle issue
The Knicks will likely take a cautious approach as the postseason approaches.
The Knicks are expected to evaluate Anunoby’s ankle further after the game. Medical testing will determine whether the injury is minor or something that could affect his availability for the playoffs.
Read more: Raptors vs Knicks Prediction
Given the timing and the team’s position in the standings, the Knicks may choose to rest him until their first playoff game if the injury is not serious.
Fans and the team will be closely watching updates on his condition in the coming days.
Add as a preferred source on Google
