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Knicks’ Tom Thibodeau provides hopeful Julius Randle injury update

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks walks after getting injured during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks walks after getting injured during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on March 29, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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Game 1 of the Knicks-Cavaliers first-round playoff series will be on Saturday, April 15. After suffering an ankle sprain against the Heat on March 29, Julius Randle is set to be re-evaluated later this week. His availability for the playoffs is still unknown.

In the 77 games that Randle played during the regular season, he averaged a career-high 25.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 34.3% from three. His bounce-back from 2021-22 not only led to him being named an All-Star reserve for the second time in three seasons but helped the Knicks lock in the No. 5 seed in the East.

It would be unfortunate if Randle had to miss the playoffs, and not only because it would lessen New York’s chances of advancing past Cleveland. Randle deserves to be out there on the court, but it’ll all depend on how his ankle feels.

Ahead of the Knicks’ regular season finale against the Pacers on Sunday, Tom Thibodeau provided a brief update on Randle.

"Randle’s sprained left ankle no longer required the walking boot he wore last week, and Tom Thibodeau said the All-Star forward has resumed taking shots on the court."

Tom Thibodeau gives brief injury update on Knicks All-Star Julius Randle

For what’s next in Julius Randle’s recovery and hopeful return to the starting lineup in time for the playoffs, Tom Thibodeau said:

"“Just the next step, following the protocol progression. So making good steady progress,” Thibodeau said before the Knicks’ loss to the Pacers at the Garden. “He’s shooting, but no contact or anything like that. But he’s doing well, overall.”"

It’s promising that Randle is no longer in a walking boot and is back to shooting. The rest of the week will be crucial in determining if he’s able to return in time for Game 1 or not.

New York did itself a favor by avoiding the play-in tournament, or else the team would be without Randle with its playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Having the week off will not only benefit the Knicks as they prepare for the postseason, but it’ll also give Randle additional time to heal.

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