The New York Knicks have announced that forward Julius Randle will not be playing in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat due to a left ankle sprain. The team also stated that Quentin Grimes will be able to play in the game, despite missing the last two games of the first round due to a shoulder contusion sustained in Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Grimes, however, will not be starting.
Team Lineup Changes
In light of Randle’s absence, Josh Hart and Obi Toppin will be starting alongside Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, and Mitchell Robinson. This decision was made after Randle participated in warmups on Sunday morning at Madison Square Garden. Coach Tom Thibodeau had previously expressed hope that Randle would be available for the opener.
Randle’s Injury History
Randle first injured his ankle on March 29th during a game against the Heat, which forced him to sit out the rest of the regular season. He returned for Game 1 against the Cavaliers but struggled to find his rhythm, and aggravated the injury in Game 5, which caused him to miss the second half of the series-clinching win. Throughout the series, Randle’s numbers were noticeably lower than his regular-season averages, with an average of 14.4 points and 6.4 rebounds compared to 25.1 points and 10 rebounds. Randle was even benched for the fourth quarter of their Game 4 victory over the Cavaliers.
The Knicks will undoubtedly miss Randle’s contributions during Game 1, but the team remains optimistic that his ankle will heal quickly, allowing him to return to the court soon. Until then, the Knicks will have to adjust their game plan and step up in Randle’s absence.
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