OG Anunoby Sidelined Two Weeks with Hamstring Strain, Impacting Knicks' Defense

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby suffered a left hamstring strain during Friday's 140-132 NBA Cup win over the Miami Heat, pulling up lame after a missed layup and immediately grabbing his hamstring. He will be out at least two weeks for re-evaluation and will not travel with the team on their upcoming five-game road trip. Anunoby, 28, is a critical defensive anchor; the Knicks outscore opponents by 127 points with him on court and boast a 106.7 defensive rating, which would be the NBA's second-best. Without him, their defensive rating drops significantly to 123.7. Acquired from the Toronto Raptors, he forms a key wing defender duo with Mikal Bridges. In the game he was injured, he played 5 minutes, scoring 2 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. Through 12 games, he averages 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 31.1 minutes. Landry Shamet, Josh Hart, and Jordan Clarkson are expected to see increased roles, with Mikal Bridges also needing to step up defensively.