In a hopeful turn of events for the New York Knicks, defensive stalwart OG Anunoby could be on the verge of his second comeback after missing nine consecutive games due to elbow issues. Anunoby, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in February to remove a loose bone, has been plagued by elbow inflammation and tendinopathy since then.

The Knicks have seen great success when Anunoby has been in the lineup, boasting an impressive 15-2 record with him available. However, his playing time has been limited since being acquired from the Toronto Raptors on December 30. Despite major injuries, including a season-ending one for Julius Randle, the Knicks have managed to stay competitive, thanks in part to consistent performances from Josh Hart and Miles McBride, who have logged significant minutes night after night.

Coach Tom Thibodeau provided an optimistic update on Anunoby's progress, revealing that the defensive ace recently returned to practice. Thibodeau stated, "OG's doing well. He's getting closer. So we're optimistic, cautiously optimistic with that one." Anunoby's potential return would undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the Knicks' lineup, as they continue to jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Currently sitting fifth in the East, the Knicks (45-31) are aiming to secure a higher seed but have lost the tiebreaker to the Orlando Magic (45-31). On the other hand, the Chicago Bulls (36-40) find themselves in a tight race for a play-in spot. The Bulls will certainly pose a challenge for the Knicks as they look to gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

With the Knicks playing in the second night of a back-to-back, the team opted not to hold a morning shootaround in Chicago. Anunoby's upgraded status to questionable for Friday night's game against the Bulls has generated anticipation among fans and teammates alike, as they eagerly await the possible return of one of their key contributors on the defensive end.

As the Knicks strive to maintain their competitive edge and secure a strong playoff position, the return of OG Anunoby would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to their aspirations. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Anunoby takes to the court against the Bulls, and if so, how his presence will positively impact the Knicks' defensive prowess. Only time will tell, but the Knicks remain cautiously optimistic for a successful outing with Anunoby potentially back in action.