Knicks Optimistic Julius Randle Can Avoid Surgery on Injured Shoulder

New York has won 12 of its past 14 games but now must play without its standout power forward.

The New York Knicks, who are in the midst of an impressive surge, received positive news on the outlook of forward Julius Randle’s shoulder injury. Randle underwent an MRI on his dislocated shoulder Saturday night, and there’s hope he can avoid surgery and be back on the floor within weeks instead of months, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Randle’s injury occurred on Saturday, late in New York’s 125–109 victory over the Miami Heat. The 29-year-old has been a reliable difference-maker for the Knicks all season, playing in all 46 games to this point. He’s averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the field, his highest mark since the 2018-19 season.

New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle suffered a dislocated shoulder in Saturday’s win over the Miami Heat.  / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Knicks’ recent trade with the Toronto Raptors to acquire OG Anunoby acted as a springboard of sorts, as New York has won 12 of its past 14 games to improve to 29-17 on the season. As things currently stand, the Knicks hold the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, just one game back of the Philadelphia 76ers.