Julius Randle injury update: Knicks star returns from sprained ankle in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

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By Webdesk


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SATISFACTION

The New York Knicks announced that Julius Randle will start in Game 1 of their first round game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday at 6pm ET. The All-Star forward has been sidelined since March 29 with a sprained ankle and was originally listed as questionable before the game. Randle’s plan was to test his left ankle prior to Saturday’s game before making a decision on his status. according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowskiand it sounds like he feels well enough to return.

Randle sprained his ankle on March 29 against the Miami Heat. He landed on Bam Adebayo’s foot on a rebound and left the game in the second quarter. Here’s how the injury happened:

Having Randle available for Game 1 is a huge boost for the Knicks as they prepare to take on the Cavaliers. His production is irreplaceable for New York as he has averaged 25.1 points on 58.1% fair shooting this season, in addition to 10 rebounds and 4.1 assists. But it’s not just the offense that makes Randle valuable in this matchup. With the Cavaliers employing two giants in the frontcourt in Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, having Randle to contend with that size will help New York keep those two in check.

With Randle out for the past two and a half weeks, there will probably be some rust he needs to get rid of as he tries to play himself back into shape. While having him there is better than the alternative, the Knicks may want to be careful about his return so Randle doesn’t aggravate the injury.

We’ll have to see what kind of minutes Randle plays in his return, but of course this is great news for the Knicks as they try to steal a game from the Cavaliers along the way.





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