The New York Knicks may be forced to adjust their lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, as forward OG Anunoby has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. The team has listed him as day-to-day ahead of Friday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Anunoby appeared to tweak his leg with about three minutes remaining in the Knicks' hard-fought 108-102 victory in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden. On a critical late-game possession, he came up hobbled after a missed dunk attempt and immediately signaled to the bench that he needed to come out. He left the court with 2:31 on the clock and did not return.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau offered little clarity after the game, stating simply: "He looked like he was hopping. I have not talked to the medical staff yet." The uncertainty surrounding Anunoby's status casts a shadow over what has been a dominant start to the series for New York, which now holds a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven.

Anunoby's potential absence would be a significant blow. He was exceptional in Game 2, posting 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, along with five rebounds and four steals in 37 minutes. His postseason averages are equally impressive: 21.4 points per game (second on the team behind Jalen Brunson's 27.4) while shooting a blistering 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from beyond the arc. He also ranks third on the squad with 7.5 rebounds per game.

Defensively, the 6-foot-7 forward finished 10th in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting during the regular season and has carried that elite two-way play into the playoffs. His ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers has been a cornerstone of New York's success.

If Anunoby is sidelined, the Knicks will likely turn to guard Miles "Deuce" McBride, who replaced him in the fourth quarter of Game 2 and closed out the win. McBride, who scored four points in 21 minutes off the bench, understands the challenge ahead.

"He's one of the best two-way players in the league, so it's tough to replace that, but you don't replace him with one guy," McBride said. "Everyone is going to have to step up."

McBride averaged 12.0 points per game in the regular season over 41 appearances, including 15 starts, and expressed confidence in handling an expanded role. "I feel like the coaching staff trusts me," he added. "I know my teammates do too."