Anunoby Out for Game 4: Knicks Defense Faces Critical Test Without Their Top Perimeter Stopper

OG Anunoby will miss Game 4 against the 76ers on Sunday, ruled out with a strained right hamstring that has sidelined the Knicks' most versatile defender since late in Game 2. With New York already holding a 3-0 series lead, the injury timeline remains murky—Anunoby is day-to-day, meaning he could return for a potential Game 5, but the Knicks are taking no chances with their three-point lead intact.

The injury carries particular sting because Anunoby was in rhythm Wednesday night before the hamstring flared. He'd been posting elite postseason numbers: 21.4 points per game on 61.9% from the field and a scorching 53.8% from three. That combination of scoring efficiency and defensive versatility makes him irreplaceable in New York's scheme, especially against a Sixers team that leans heavily on perimeter creation from Maxey and Harris. Without Anunoby's length and lateral quickness, Philadelphia gains cleaner looks from beyond the arc and more driving lanes in transition.

This injury echoes a darker Knicks history. Anunoby suffered a hamstring injury in the second round two years ago against Indiana and missed four games, playing just minutes in Game 7 as New York squandered a 2-0 lead and lost the series. The Front office clearly learned that lesson—with a sweep still within reach, they're not pushing an injured star into Game 4 when Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle can carry the load.

From a betting perspective, Anunoby's absence tightens the Knicks' ceiling on offense. Game 4 team totals will shift lower, likely dropping a half-point to a full point depending on handle. More critically, 76ers three-point makes and three-point attempts should spike—without Anunoby's perimeter defense forcing difficult shots, Philadelphia's role players (particularly Harris and Maxey off-ball) will see cleaner opportunities. Expect the line to favor Philadelphia slightly despite being down 3-0, as the public will overweight the Knicks' clinching advantage. The smarter lean is on unders in Game 4 scoring and a slight uptick in 76ers three-point volume props.