Knicks News: Mike Breen gives Julius Randle update, Mitchell Robinson talks playoff debut

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 7: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2022 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 7: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Madison Square Garden on December 7, 2022 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 Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau gave a hopeful update on Julius Randle ahead of the team’s regular-season finale on Sunday. Thibodeau said that Randle hadn’t been cleared for contact yet, but that he was back on the court getting shots up.

In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Monday, Mike Breen went a bit further and provided another update on Randle.

Breen said that Randle is going to play in the series, but he may not be ready for Game 1. He confirmed that he’s out of the walking boot and added “there’s a good chance” that he’ll be ready to go early on in the series, if not Game 1. He was a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice. That’s good news for Knicks fans.

Mitchell Robinson is preparing to make his playoffs debut after being sidelined in 2021 when New York was ousted in five games in the first round of the playoffs. Robinson has a tough assignment guarding Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, but he’s ready to go.

"“This is going to be my first time, so I’m excited,” the 7-foot anchor to the Knicks’ defense said. “This time I’m healthy and ready to go. And this is going to be my first time going. Want to see how it goes.”"

More Knicks news

  • Jalen Brunson was asked about Mark Cuban’s recent comments on Tuesday, to which he said that he’s focused only on the Cavaliers.
  • New York signed former Spurs and Thunder forward Isaiah Roby to a contract on Sunday. He isn’t eligible for the playoffs because he was on San Antonio’s roster after March 1. The Spurs waived Roby on March 3. He’s on a non-guaranteed contract for 2023-24.
  • The Knicks are the No. 5 seed in the playoffs and the Nets are the No. 6 seed. This year marks only the third time in 19 seasons that New York and Brooklyn are both in the postseason.

NBA news

  • Four-time NBA All-Star Demarcus Cousins signed a contract to play with the Guaynabo Mets, a Puerto Rican Professional Basketball League team. The 32-year-old is hoping to make his way back to the NBA.
  • Trae Young and the Hawks beat the Heat on Tuesday, 116-105, for the No. 7 seed in the East. Atlanta will play Boston in the first round.
  • After suspending Rudy Gobert for the team’s first play-in game, Los Angeles topped Minnesota in overtime, 108-102, to claim the No. 7 seed in the West. The Lakers will face the Grizzlies in the first round.
  • The No. 9 Raptors will host the No. 10 Bulls on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET in the play-in tournament. The winner will move on to play the Heat on Friday for the No. 8 seed in the East. After that game ends, the No. 9 Pelicans will host the No. 10 Thunder at 9:30 p.m. ET. The winner will play the Timberwolves on Friday for the No. 8 seed in the West. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN.
  • The shoes that Michael Jordan wore in Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals sold for $2.2 million on Tuesday.