Knicks forward Anunoby trains as NBA Eastern Conference finals loom

NEW YORK, United States -- Knicks forward OG Anunoby practiced "in full" on Friday (Saturday, Manila time), stoking hopes he'll be back from a hamstring strain for the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

"He practiced today in full, yeah," Knicks coach Mike Brown said, calling Anunoby's progress "encouraging".

Anunoby was hurt late in the May 6 second game of the Knicks' 4-0 second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Although New York went on to win two games without him to advance, Anunoby's return would be a big boost for the Knicks, who will face either the top-seeded Detroit Pistons or Cleveland Cavaliers for a place in the NBA Finals.

Anunoby averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals as he provided a strong defensive presence for the Knicks this season.

Brown said he'd take the advice of medical staff as Anunoby ramps up to game play.

"At the end of the day, I'm going to wait and let the medical group tell me each day what he can do," Brown said. "We'll see if they tell me something different tomorrow.

"But it's definitely encouraging to see somebody (who was) out be able to go out there and practice, full practice, like OG did."