OG Anunoby's return to practice has sparked hope among Knicks fans, but the details suggest his comeback might take a bit longer than anticipated. The 28-year-old forward suffered a Grade 1 right hamstring strain late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing him to sit out the remainder of that series.

Before the injury, Anunoby was playing at an elite level, posting averages of 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game in the postseason. Those numbers highlight his rare two-way impact, making him a crucial piece for the Knicks' championship aspirations.

New York managed to sweep Philadelphia 4-0 without him, showcasing the team's depth. But make no mistake—Anunoby's availability for the Eastern Conference Finals remains the top priority. The good news? The Knicks have time on their side.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown provided an intriguing update after Wednesday's practice, revealing that Anunoby participated in select drills but sat out the live scrimmage. "He practiced today in some aspects of it. Some parts of practice he did," Brown said. "When we went live, he didn't go live."

The coach has been clear that Anunoby's return timeline rests entirely with the medical staff. "It's all medical related and it starts with the training staff, the doctors, and OG," Brown explained. "All I want them to do is tell me when he can play."

Fortunately, the playoff schedule is working in New York's favor. With the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers series still undecided, the Eastern Conference Finals won't tip off until Sunday. That gives Anunoby a 10-to-12-day window for recovery—a significant boost for a Grade 1 strain.

Sports doctor Jesse Morse has weighed in optimistically, noting on social media that "there's a good chance" Anunoby returns during the conference finals. For Knicks fans, that's the kind of prognosis worth waiting for.