Knicks Get Encouraging OG Anunoby Injury Update

The Knicks' star forward is back to full practice after missing time with a painful toe injury.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The New York Knicks have received good news ahead of their return from the All-Star break, as star forward OG Anunoby has returned to full practice and is cleared to play. Anunoby had been sidelined for several games due to a painful toe nail avulsion injury, which is a common occurrence among basketball players. The Knicks went 2-2 in the four games Anunoby missed, including a tough overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers. Anunoby is a key two-way player for the Knicks, averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His return is a big boost as the Knicks look to avenge an earlier blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Why it matters

Anunoby's return is crucial for the Knicks, as he is one of their best players and a key part of their rotation. His defensive presence and scoring ability will help the team as they look to make a push in the second half of the season. The Knicks struggled without him, going 2-2 in the four games he missed, including a tough overtime loss to the Pacers. His return should provide a big lift as the team tries to avenge an earlier blowout loss to the Pistons.

The details

Anunoby suffered a toe nail avulsion injury, which is a common occurrence among basketball players due to the constant pressure and movement on the court. The injury forced him to miss four consecutive games before the All-Star break. In his absence, rookie Mohamed Diawara stepped up and scored almost 8 points and grabbed 3 rebounds per game off the bench. However, the Knicks know they need Anunoby's production and two-way impact to be successful.

  • Anunoby missed four consecutive games before the All-Star break due to the toe injury.
  • The Knicks open the second half of the season on February 19 against the Detroit Pistons.

The players

OG Anunoby

A key two-way player for the New York Knicks, averaging 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.

Mohamed Diawara

A rookie who stepped up in Anunoby's absence, scoring almost 8 points and grabbing 3 rebounds per game off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“OG Anunoby is back to practice in full, he says. He said he is fully cleared to play. When asked about it, he said the toe nail avulsion was very painful.”

— Ian Begley, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to avenge their earlier blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons on February 19, with Anunoby expected to be back in the lineup.

The takeaway

Anunoby's return is a big boost for the Knicks as they look to make a push in the second half of the season. His defensive presence and scoring ability will help the team overcome their earlier struggles without him and provide a lift as they try to avenge a blowout loss to the Pistons.