One of the New York Knicks‘ top players has received awful news.
Even before the Cleveland Cavaliers series began, Julius Randle was suffering with an ailment.
The Knicks concentrated on preparing him for the Miami Heat after that series was completed, but it’s been claimed that he won’t be available for Game 1 of that series.
Adrian Wojnarowski of NBA Insider reports that Randle is anticipated to miss game 1 due to an ankle sprain.
Knicks All-Star F Julius Randle (ankle sprain) is expected to be out for Game 1 vs. Miami today, sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 30, 2023
Many fans reacted to this; some claimed that Miami got lucky with injuries while others continued to support the Knicks for the championship.
This is unfortunate for New York. I really want this to be a healthy series but man we have to take advantage of this.
Jimmy Butler Enthusiast (@BigNateSRL2) April 30, 2023
Never seen a team luckier than the Heat.
Holden (@holdenowen44) April 30, 2023
Knicks in 7 still
(@nijigasakilove) April 30, 2023
This kinda makes it even with the Heat injuries
Las Vegas Sports (@LVSportsDalton) April 30, 2023
Incoming excuses as to why Miami wins this series.
Zach (@zachchambers) April 30, 2023
At Madison Square Garden, the Heat have a great opportunity to take advantage of this and win Game 1.
In Game 1 of their previous series, they performed the same against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Randle was a significant opponent for the Knicks throughout the regular season, so their loss of him is significant.
Source confirms Julius Randle (ankle) is not expected to play in Game 1 vs MIA. One note on Randle: leading into series, NYK coaches felt that Randle s presence was crucial vs MIA. In last 3 games vs Heat, Randle averaged 27 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5 assists. ESPN first on Randle.
Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 30, 2023
Along with Jalen Brunson, he is undoubtedly their best player, so facing Jimmy Butler and company without him will be challenging.
But as they demonstrated against Cleveland, the Knicks are aware that they can defeat any opponent.
The Knicks won’t have any issue winning this game if Brunson stays motivated and plays at a high level.
Randle’s replacement, Obi Toppin, will have to try to thwart the Heat.
The difficult task of facing Bam Adebayo, who is available for this game, will fall to Mitchell Robinson.
For the Knicks, the series will get off to a challenging start, but they can get away with it.