New York Knicks To Get Huge Boost in ECF With Og Anunoby Return

The New York Knicks received some stellar news this week while they wait to find out who they'll face in the Eastern Conference Finals.

New York could be getting a massive boost thanks to the return of injured forward OG Anunoby, which is expected to coincide with the first matchup of the series. 

For more on the updates, Knicks Roundtable writer Jeremy Lambert has the latest.

The Knicks completed their dominant sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers last Sunday and could end up with an entire week in between matchups thanks to the Detroit Pistons-Cleveland Cavaliers series pushing to at least six games. 

Not only will the Knicks have the advantage of rest, but the return of Anunoby could help to put the team over the top in what has already been a consistent showing of dominance throughout the playoffs.

The Knicks currently rank No. 2 in the NBA postseason in scoring, averaging 120.4 points per game. Meanwhile, they have the best defensive unit as well, holding teams to a playoff-low 101.0 points per game.

Their two potential opponents lag behind in both categories with the Pistons scoring 105.0 per game and surrendering 102.3 (the No. 4 defense, to their credit) while the Cavs averaging 110.5 per matchup while allowing 109.5. 

The Knicks' 51.7% field goal percentage and plus-19.4 point difference also lead the postseason and outpace both Detroit and Cleveland.

Anunoby finished the regular season with a +407 plus/minus on the floor and a 48.4% field goal percentage while averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.

The Knicks were already set to provide a tricky matchup for their next foe, but now with the return of a key player in sight, they are in position to be even stronger in their second consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.