Og Anunoby upgraded to probable, set to return versus Pistons
Forward og anunoby was upgraded to probable for Thursday's game against the Pistons after missing four straight contests with a right toenail avulsion. He was a full participant in practice Wednesday and said he expects to play Thursday, signaling the Knicks will likely regain a key two-way presence.
Og Anunoby cleared to play
The veteran forward, who had been listed as questionable, was moved to probable for the upcoming matchup. He rejoined the team in full practice on Wednesday and publicly acknowledged both his readiness and the injury’s lingering severity, telling reporters, "There's a lot of pain. It's an open wound. " Team staff and coverage noted that he completely lost his toenail, which helps explain the cautious timeline for his return.
Injury details and treatment
Medical commentary in recent coverage described the issue as a toenail avulsion, where the nail partially or completely separates from the nail bed. That kind of injury can be especially painful for basketball players given repeated toe impact, tight footwear and jumping mechanics. In more severe cases, mobility can be limited and treatment includes careful wound care to prevent infection—factors cited as the reason for the four-game absence and close monitoring ahead of his return.
Knicks adjustments and outlook
While Anunoby was out, the team went 2–2 over the four-game stretch and reshuffled defensive assignments, leaning more heavily on younger wings. Rookie Mohamed Diawara stepped into an expanded role, averaging 7. 8 points, 3. 0 rebounds and 1. 0 assists while shooting 46. 7 percent from three in 21. 5 minutes per game across that span. Diawara’s defense drew attention—opposing players went just 3-of-9 when matched up with him in one game, and he posted 10 points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting night in 27 minutes in that contest.
The club also added former lottery pick Jeremy Sochan to bolster wing depth while Anunoby was sidelined. With og anunoby expected back for Thursday’s game, the immediate outlook is a return of the Knicks’ most consistent two-way presence; his ability to defend multiple positions while spacing the floor had been cited as central to the team’s climb in the standings prior to the injury. If he plays, the roster can revert to its preferred defensive assignments and regain a primary perimeter stopper and spacing option.
