4 Biggest playoff obstacles Knicks need to prepare for against Cavaliers
1: Julius Randle’s uncertainty
Julius Randle sprained his left ankle on March 29 against the Heat. Since then, he’s been sidelined. He hasn’t been cleared for contact yet, but he’s ditched the walking boot and has been back on the court getting shots up. It doesn’t seem likely that he’ll play on Saturday, but that hasn’t been made official.
Tom Thibodeau said that Randle has been progressing each day, so it doesn’t seem as if New York will be without him for the entire series. However, depending on when he’s able to return, Randle won’t have much time to get back into it as he’ll be thrown right into the playoff fire. He could be rusty for a game or two, but the Knicks can’t afford for Randle to be a non-factor.
After all, his rise back to being an All-Star is why New York is in the position to be competing in the playoffs. His playoff debut against the Hawks in 2021 ended up being a dud and he’ll have the chance to change that narrative if he’s able to take the floor against the Cavaliers.
Obi Toppin could end up starting the first game or two. He averaged 13.6 minutes per game in the 2021 playoffs, so although he knows what it’s like to be in the postseason, his role will likely be completely different this go-round.
Hopefully, if Julius Randle does have to miss time, it won’t extend past Game 1.
