OG Anunoby’s prominence is revealed prior to the Knicks-Raptors game.
Due to experiencing inflammation in his right elbow on March 14, the New York Knicks designated OG Anunoby for right elbow injury management.
With this unfortunate turn of events impacting the Knicks’ investment, particularly after his promising initial performances (15-2 record when he was healthy), Anunoby’s reputation in Toronto has gained attention ahead of the Wednesday match.
“Anunoby’s notorious fragility is now firmly New York’s concern, posing a larger issue than the Knicks likely anticipated. It’s a regrettable scenario because, in many respects, Anunoby has been an ideal addition to the basketball mecca,” wrote Toronto Star columnist Dave Feschuk on March 25. Feschuk recalled a conversation with former Raptors coach Nick Nurse, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, where Nurse expressed disappointment over Anunoby’s unavailability during their playoff push two years ago.
During that period, Anunoby grappled with discomfort from a small non-displaced fracture in his right finger, sidelining him from February 16 to March 24, 2022.
Anunoby’s history with injuries has been fraught, with him never playing more than 70 games since his rookie season, when he participated in 74 games. Over the past four seasons, he has played more than 65 games only once.
Feschuk outlined Anunoby’s injury history before his trade to the Knicks, including an appendectomy and subsequent infection that forced him to miss the 2019 championship run and various other ailments.
As Anunoby approaches unrestricted free agency, the Knicks are determined to retain him, especially after sacrificing former No. 3 pick RJ Barrett and last season’s 6th Man of the Year runner-up Immanuel Quickley.
Meanwhile, Barrett and Quickley will also sit out the game against their former team as they continue their return to full fitness after extended absences.
Both players are undergoing return-to-competition conditioning, with Quickley sidelined since March 17 due to a left hip flexor strain and Barrett absent since March 11 following his younger brother’s tragic passing.
Despite missing Anunoby, Julius Randle (dislocated right shoulder), and Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgery), along with Scottie Barnes (left hand fracture), the Knicks are favored to win against the Raptors. With impressive performances from Jalen Brunson and contributions from role players like Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Miles McBride, the Knicks hold a 7.5-point advantage, according to BetMGM sportsbook promotions.
