Injury Woes Mount for Knicks Ahead of Bucks Showdown
The New York Knicks are gearing up for a pivotal NBA Cup group stage clash against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden. However, both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns that could greatly influence their tournament trajectories.
OG Anunoby’s Absence Looms Large
OG Anunoby’s name is a glaring omission from the Knicks’ lineup as he will not play against the Bucks. The versatile forward is sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, a setback that is expected to keep him out of action until at least early December. Anunoby’s absence is felt acutely, particularly on the defensive end, where his skills and versatility are hard to replace.
The injury occurred during a high-scoring affair against the Miami Heat on November 15, when Anunoby pulled up clutching his hamstring on a fast break in the first quarter. Before this unfortunate incident, he was enjoying a strong season, averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a team-high 1.9 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 39.2% from beyond the arc.
Landry Shamet Joins the Ranks of the Injured
Adding to the Knicks’ injury crisis, Landry Shamet is also out of the lineup due to a right shoulder sprain sustained in a recent game against the Orlando Magic. Shamet was a key contributor in Anunoby’s absence, even notching a career-high 36 points in the contest against Miami. His status is particularly concerning, as he’s set to be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks, with a potential return only in late December. The good news is that his injury is not severe enough to require surgery.
Knicks Injury Report Ahead of the Game
As the Knicks prepare to face off against the Bucks, the injury report paints a bleak picture:
Landry Shamet: OUT – right shoulder; sprained
OG Anunoby: OUT – left hamstring; strained
The Knicks will need to dig deep and find alternative ways to compete against a formidable Bucks team, all while hoping for the swift recovery of their key players.
