Why is OG Anunoby out Game 3?

Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3: Anunoby injury forces lineup adjustment

OG Anunoby will not play in Friday’s Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers after being ruled out with a hamstring issue. The Knicks’ injury reporting surrounding him indicated the setback was serious enough to keep him out immediately, even as the team expressed optimism that the problem was minor.

The immediate on-court impact is that New York must reshuffle its defensive wing rotations without its starting forward. Anunoby’s absence also matters for how the Knicks match up across Philly’s personnel, since the role typically involves both perimeter defense and physicality on drives.

For Philadelphia, Game 3 becomes a swing point: New York is trying to extend its series lead and put the pressure on a Sixers team that already returned a key player—Joel Embiid—to action in Game 3 after missing Game 2.

What else the Knicks have to manage

The Knicks’ personnel picture extends beyond Anunoby. Josh Hart was listed as questionable with a left thumb sprain, and the Knicks have also had to factor in multiple injury variables over the first two games. That creates a narrower margin for error as the teams head into a high-stakes matchup where New York is seeking a decisive third win.

Why Game 3 is pivotal

A series that already started with New York control gets even more important with Embiid available while Anunoby remains out. The Knicks’ ability to defend and cover without their forward will directly influence whether they can complete the “take command” scenario—or whether Philadelphia can keep the series alive and regain momentum.