With star forward Julius Randle injured before the team’s series against the Cleveland Cavaliers began, the New York Knicks limped into the opening round of the NBA playoffs.
Fortunately for New York, Randle’s injury had little of an influence on the first-round series. The Knicks swept Cleveland in five games and moved on to the second round, where they will face the Miami Heat.
Randle, who had yet another ankle injury while eliminating the Cavaliers in the first round, may not be able to play in Game 1 of the second-round series against the Heat.
Prior to Game 1, which will take place on Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau provided an update on the health of his star forward.
“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
The Knicks have been able to get by without a standout performance from Randle, who struggled against Cleveland, because to the strong play of Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett in the first round against the Cavaliers.
The Heat, however, might be a far more difficult opponent for the Knicks after Miami accomplished what many thought was unthinkable by defeating the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks in five games.
The Heat, who have more experienced players who have faced similar challenges than the Cavaliers and may be considering this postseason as their final opportunity to win a championship, are more playoff-tested than the Cavaliers.
Jimmy Butler is currently playing out of his mind and seems to improve his game in the playoffs, which will certainly be a problem for New York, in addition to having experienced experience in the postseason.
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Knicks Lose A Player To Injury For Remainder Of Postseason