The New York Knicks will be without a key player for Friday's pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers. OG Anunoby has been ruled out due to a right hamstring strain, coach Mike Brown confirmed just hours before tip-off.

New York currently holds a commanding 2-0 series lead, having taken both games on their home court at Madison Square Garden. However, the Knicks must now navigate Game 3 on the road without one of their top defenders. Anunoby suffered the injury late in Game 2, which the Knicks won 108-102 on May 6.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Anunoby attempted to cut toward the basket and suddenly pulled up, grabbing his right hamstring area. Despite the discomfort, he remained on the floor and even attempted a dunk when the ball came his way in the paint—a testament to his toughness and competitive spirit. But the strain was serious enough to sideline him for Game 3.

Anunoby has been a crucial two-way presence for the Knicks this postseason, providing lockdown defense and timely scoring. His absence will test New York's depth as they look to take a stranglehold 3-0 lead against a desperate Sixers team fighting to stay alive in the series. For fans watching at home or at the arena, this is the kind of moment that separates contenders from pretenders—and one that could shift the entire momentum of the series.