OG Anunoby is trending towards returning for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
The defensive stopper practised in full for a third straight session on Monday, New York Knicks coach Mike Brown told reporters.
Brown did not confirm Anunoby's status for Game 1.
This comes on the heels of a report last week from ESPN's Shams Charania that Anunoby is expected to return for Game 1 of New York's series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Anunoby was hurt late in the Knicks' victory over Philadelphia in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 6 and missed the final two games of that series.
“It didn’t feel as bad as the past when it happened,” Anunoby said. “So knowing that, just trying to improve it day by day.”
Anunoby had the maximum amount of time possible to rest, as the Knicks swept their series, while Cleveland eventually eliminated Detroit in seven games on Sunday. So the Eastern Conference Finals, which could have started Sunday, won't begin until Tuesday.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points on 61.9 per cent shooting from the field and 53.8 per cent from three, along with 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals in the post-season, well above the 16.7 points, 5.2 boards and 1.6 steals he averaged during the regular season.
Considering the Cavaliers' lack of strong wing players — their stars play either in the backcourt or frontcourt — Anunoby could have a sizeable impact on the upcoming series.
–With files from The Associated Press
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