What happened
ESPN's Shams Charania reports New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain and is considered day to day. Anunoby, the Knicks' second-leading scorer, suffered the injury in the team's most recent playoff outing. The Knicks are weighing his availability for the upcoming game while the team's medical staff evaluates the severity.
Why it matters
Anunoby is a two-way linchpin for New York, drawing the toughest perimeter assignments and providing key spacing. Losing him for any stretch would force Tom Thibodeau to lean harder on a thinned wing rotation in a deep playoff run. With the Knicks having protected home-court, the front office has incentive to be cautious rather than rush him back at less than full strength.
What to watch
Watch for MRI results and an official game-status designation from the Knicks. Rotation tells from Thibodeau in shootaround will hint at whether Anunoby suits up or sits.