Julius Randle Injury: Will Knicks Star Forward Be Ready for Game 1?

The Knicks wrapped up their first round series win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday, but lost star forward Julius Randle to a left ankle sprain just before halftime.

By video, Randle appeared to suffer a minor reaggravation of his previous left ankle sprain, according to the Pro Basketball Docs. Although he didn’t return to the game, our panel of doctors are optimistic about his chances to play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals beginning on Sunday.

Randle carries a SIC score of 81 heading into the next series against the Heat, indicating he will have limited mobility on that injured ankle.

The biggest effect will likely be on the defensive end and to his rebounding ability, but his offensive production should not see a big dip.

His original injury came on March 29, knocking him out of the final five regular season games. However, Randle has a history of two previous sprains on that side, meaning these new injuries likely did not cause much new damage to the ligaments. 

In Game 1 against the Cavs, his first action in over two weeks, Randle scored 19 points on 35% shooting and 30% shooting from 3. He averaged 14.8 points for the series on 33.8% shooting, despite averaging a career-high 25.1 points on 46% shooting during the regular season.

Knicks vs. Heat Game 1 Odds

The Knicks are favored by 4 points in Game 1 and the over/under is 207.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

New York is at -158 to win the series, while the Heat are at +134.

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