The New York Knicks limped into the first round of the NBA playoffs, with star forward Julius Randle dealing with an injury before the team headed into their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fortunately for New York, Randle’s injury didn’t impact the series all that much, as New York wiped the floor with Cleveland in the first round, beating the Cavaliers in five games to advance to the second round where they’ll take on the Miami Heat.
However, Game 1 of the second-round series against the Heat is in doubt for Randle, who suffered another ankle injury while closing out the Cavaliers in round one.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau gave an update on his star forward’s status ahead of Game 1, which will take place in New York at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.
"He didn't do much today but he's feeling a little bit better. We're hopeful. He moved well today."
Tom Thibodeau update on Julius Randle's Injury#NBA #Knicks #NewYorkpic.twitter.com/Fzhew1BFPz
— TheColdWire.com (@thecoldwire) April 28, 2023
With Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett playing at a high level in the first round against the Cavaliers, the Knicks have been able to get by without a stellar performance by Randle, who struggled against Cleveland.
However, the Heat could be a much tougher opponent for the Knicks after Miami pulled off what many believed was impossible by getting the best of the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
Unlike the Cavaliers, the Heat are battle-tested in the NBA playoffs, with a lot of veteran players that have been in this situation before and could be viewing this postseason as their last chance to win a title.
Along with veteran experience in the postseason, Jimmy Butler is playing out of his mind at the moment and seems to elevate his game in the playoffs, which will obviously be a concern for New York.
NEXT: Knicks Lose A Player To Injury For Remainder Of Postseason
