The New York Knicks are anxiously awaiting the return of swingman OG Anunoby, and head coach Tom Thibodeau provided a positive update Thursday.

Per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, Thibodeau told reporters: "He's doing well. He's getting closer. We're optimistic, cautiously optimistic."

Ian Begley of SNY reported Thibodeau added that Anunoby has been cleared for contact. He's also resumed playing five-on-five play with contact, as he was able to continue conditioning while rehabbing his elbow injury.

Anunoby returned to play three games last month following his elbow surgery on Feb. 8, but he suffered a post-surgical flare-up that has sidelined him since March 16.

Anunoby's progress is welcome news for the Knicks, who are reeling from Thursday's announcement that star forward Julius Randle will be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He suffered a dislocated right shoulder on Jan. 27 and was holding out hope that he would have a chance to return, but doctors determined that surgery was necessary.

New York has lost three straight games and ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 44-31 record. The team was 12-2 with both Randle and Anunoby and had the league's best defense in those 14 games after Anunoby was acquired in a December trade with the Toronto Raptors.

With just seven games left in the regular season, the Knicks could use some momentum before the playoffs start. Getting Anunoby back in the lineup would be a step in the right direction.

New York will try to snap its skid when it hosts the Sacramento Kings (44-31) on Thursday night.

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