Despite finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference and proving to be a possible team on the rise in the NBA, the New York Knicks will limp into the NBA playoffs with some injury concerns, namely the status of All-Star forward Julius Randle.
Randle badly sprained his left ankle toward the end of the regular season, shedding doubt on his status for the first round of the playoffs against a very talented and hungry Cleveland Cavaliers team.
Although it seemed like Randle would be stuck on the sideline in street clothes to start this first-round matchup with the Cavaliers, the Knicks got some promising news on Friday.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Randle aims to get back on the floor for Game 1 against the Cavaliers on Saturday.
ESPN Sources: Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle (left ankle sprain) is targeting a return vs. the Cavaliers on Saturday. Randle has been steadily improving and plans to test his left ankle prior to gametime before making a final decision on rejoining lineup for Game 1.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 14, 2023
After a forgettable season last year in New York, Randle was able to bounce back this season and reclaim his All-Star form while joining forces with Jalen Brunson in the Big Apple.
Brunson left the Dallas Mavericks for the Knicks last summer in a move some believed was unwise, with the Knicks seemingly headed in a downward spiral.
However, Brunson has turned out to be the ideal second star next to Randle, with the two forming a lethal dynamic duo, which resulted in 47 regular-season wins and a chance for a deep run in the playoffs.
If Randle is able to return for Game 1 and play up to his capability, the Knicks might be able to give Donovan Mitchell and company a run for their money.
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