OG Anunoby DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) is going through contact drills and is playing five-on-five now, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau. While it sounds like Anunoby is getting closer to a return, and Thibodeau said he's now day-to-day, the forward hasn't been cleared to fully play yet. The 26-year-old three-and-D specialist should be deemed doubtful ahead of Friday's tilt versus the Orlando Magic, but it appears that he could suit up as soon as Sunday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. Precious Achiuwa has handled a monstrous workload with Anunoby on the shelf since late January, logging 36.4 minutes per game over his last 16 contests and averaging 12.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.6 combined steals and blocks over this span. Keep him rostered in fantasy leagues.

The Athletic's Shams Charania hears the New York Knicks hope forward OG Anunoby (elbow) is back on the floor in two or three weeks. Anunoby underwent surgery on his right elbow on Feb. 8, and he could be ready for full practices in early March. Precious Achiuwa will continue occupying heavy workloads in Anunoby's stead, facing a difficult task on Tuesday against a New Orleans Pelicans team that ranks sixth in opponent field-goal percentage (46.4%).

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, speaking on NBA Countdown, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) is expected to be re-evaluated at the end of next week. The 26-year-old has averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 boards, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 14 games with the Knicks. Unfortunately, he had a loose bone fragment in his elbow and underwent surgery on February 8. But Anunoby remains on schedule regarding a potential return, so fantasy managers should remain optimistic that things continue to move in the right direction. At any rate, Josh Hart, averaging nearly a double-double in 16 starts this season, is worth rostering in any fantasy format until Anunoby is healthy enough to return.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) underwent surgery on Thursday. The former Raptor, who was traded to New York in December, has averaged 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals in 14 appearances with the Knicks. However, he's missed the last five games because of an elbow issue. After further tests, it was revealed that Anunoby had a loose bone fragment in his right elbow, requiring him to go under the knife. He's expected to resume basketball activities in three weeks. But with the All-Star break on the horizon, the blow to fantasy managers might not be as impactful. That said, Donte DiVincenzo and the newly acquired Bojan Bogdanovic could see more work until Anunoby is healthy.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) remains out for Thursday's tilt versus the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks have updated Anunoby's injury from inflammation to a bone spur irritation in his right elbow, which can't help but sound a bit more complicated than the original listing. With the All-Star break on the horizon, New York could opt to hold Anunoby out until play resumes to get this issue fully resolved, but the forward nonetheless has a chance to end a six-game absence on Saturday against the visiting Indiana Pacers in the final game of a six-game homestand. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has tightened his rotations to eight players with Quentin Grimes (knee) out of the mix, leaving behind ample playing time for Precious Achiuwa. Averaging 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 39.8 minutes across his past five games, Achiuwa remains a strong fantasy streamer on Thursday.