The New York Knicks have somewhat bounced back this season, with the arrival of Jalen Brunson being a breath of fresh air and Julius Randle returning to form as an All-Star in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are the next team in line to clinch a playoff spot in the East, with the storied franchise currently sporting a record of 44-33.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers have all punched their ticket to the postseason, with the Knicks needing to keep it going in order to be next.
Unfortunately, the team has suffered a major blow, losing Randle for the rest of the regular season due to a sprained ankle.
Julius Randle suffered a sprained left ankle and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/9vlxUXpmdT
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 30, 2023
Here are some reactions to the Knicks losing Randle for at least the next two weeks:
Too bad Julius isn’t different pic.twitter.com/jp9SAgr3uB
— . (@Yankees_Heat_) March 30, 2023
Knicks Downfall… Here For It😈
— HawksOwn🏀 (@JayRockinKay) March 30, 2023
— Bearcatdt (@bearcatdt) March 30, 2023
We don't need these injuries right now man 🤦🏿♂️
— Du🅱️N🅰️tℹ️🅾️n🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@TechofSolo) March 30, 2023
He’ll be good for playoffs
— Christian Danys (@DanysChristian) March 30, 2023
The Knicks have five games left on their regular-season schedule, and New York will be postseason bound outside of an epic collapse or more injury issues.
However, the genuine concern is how bad Randle’s ankle injury is and if he’ll be good to go after his re-evaluation in two weeks.
Brunson has been battling an injury of his own, which is also concerning for New York, with their two best players on the mend ahead of the playoffs.
If the playoffs were to start today, the Knicks would face off against the Cavaliers.
Cleveland has been a team on a mission this season after getting Donovan Mitchell in a Cavs uniform, and they’ll be a difficult challenge for the Knicks if Randle and Brunson aren’t 100%.
NEXT: Fans React To Knicks Player's Career Night
