OG Anunoby (elbow) plans on playing in Kings vs. Knicks

Mar 15, 2024, 2:16 PM

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring during t...

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

OG Anunoby might have shown some discomfort during Thursday’s action between the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers, but the forward plans on playing in his next available game.

Anunoby, who played his second game following a lengthy absence due to having a bone fragment removed from his right elbow on February 8th, scored 12 points on five-of-11 shooting during the Knicks’ 105-93 win.

While New York has missed its key trade deadline acquisition over the past month, seeing Anunoby display signs of discomfort was unsettling–but if you ask Anunoby, it’s business as usual.

“I thought I was going to come in and make an impact. Didn’t really think about it,” Anunoby said when asked if his elbow injury was on his mind during his return. “As the games go on, everything will start feeling better. Definitely don’t feel the way I felt before I got [injured], conditioning-wise, but I’m sure it’ll come back, next game. It comes back fast.”

Did OG Anunoby re-aggravate his elbow on this play?

You can hear him yell as he goes for the steal 😬 pic.twitter.com/ytVV3QFT3k

— Knicks Fan TV 🏀🎥📺🏁 (@KnicksFanTv) March 15, 2024

Following Thursday’s game win in Portland, Anunoby made it clear that he intends to play when the Knicks face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night at Golden 1 Center.

“That’s the plan. I wasn’t thinking about not playing,” Anunoby said when asked about his status for Saturday.

Anunoby, a player widely rumored to be on the Kings’ trade deadline wishlist, will face a Sacramento team coming off two big wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Kings (38-27) have jumped back into a top-six spot in the Western Conference standings with 17 games to play, and a win over the Knicks would add to the slim half-game lead they currently have over the Phoenix Suns.

Sacramento will likely have guard Kevin Huerter (leg) back in the lineup on Saturday, but forward Trey Lyles (knee) could miss his second-straight game.

Sacramento Kings Injury Updates: Kevin Huerter returns to practice

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will continue its six-game homestand on Saturday night when they face All-Star guard Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks at Golden 1 Center.

Last season, the Kings secured a 122-117 win over the Knicks at home in front of a national audience on TNT. Domantas Sabonis posted a triple-double (24 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists), while De’Aaron Fox’s 24 points helped Sacramento close things out in crunch time.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Knicks coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from downtown Sacramento.