Veteran forward OG Anunoby also has a chance to return to action on Friday, having been listed as questionable for the New York Knicks ‘ matchup against Utah, according to Steve Popper of Newsday. The former All-Defensive member has missed the past nine games with a strained left hamstring.

Barring unforeseen issue between now and tipoff, OG Anunoby will return tonight vs. Utah, as Mike Brown says below. Per SNY sources, Anunoby will start alongside Brunson, Bridges, Hart and Towns. Anunoby has been out since Nov 14 with a hamstring injury.

The way the Knicks are built, things will never be fully cohesive without their best defender. While OG Anunoby has reportedly resumed taking contact in practice and is inching closer to a return, the Knicks are likely going to slow-play him, not risking things in an 82-game season.

While Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors dominated NBA headlines Wednesday, New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown delivered a key update on the status of OG Anunoby — a player who could become central to any seismic Knicks– Bucks trade scenario if the two-time MVP ultimately asks out of Milwaukee.