OG Anunoby was sidelined with an injury and didn’t get to suit up when the Knicks visited Toronto in March of last season, making Monday night his first game back in the city where he spent his first six-plus NBA seasons.
Anunoby, who is averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game this season, said he’s “not sure” how he will be received by the fans at Scotiabank Arena.
“It’ll be great to see my friends, the staff, and just the people of Canada,” Anunoby said after Saturday’s loss to the Pistons.
Anunoby was acquired on Dec. 30 of last season with Precious Achiuwa in a deal that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors.
Achiuwa already has played his return game in Toronto, posting 19 points and 12 rebounds in the Knicks’ win there on March 27.
He had 10 rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench Saturday night in his second game since returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since the preseason.
“He made a big impact, and I’m not surprised,” Anunoby said of Achiuwa. “That’s what he’s always done. He’s a really talented player, a special player, who can do a lot at both ends. The more opportunities he gets, the more he’ll thrive. So it’s not surprising.”
Barrett is averaging career highs in points (23.3), rebounds (6.6) and assists (5.9) in 21 appearances this season for the Raptors.
Quickley has played only three games due to injuries since signing a five-year, $175 million contract extension in July.
He’s been out since Nov. 10 with a partially torn ligament in his left elbow.
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Cam Payne (elbow) have been listed as questionable again after sitting out Saturday’s loss to the Pistons.
What’s happening on and off the Garden court
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Bruce Brown (reconditioning) also remains out for the Raptors (7-17).
