76ers Rival Knicks Avoid Major Setback With Star Player
Over the weekend, the New York Knicks had a notable injury scare. As the Philadelphia 76ers’ division rivals faced the Miami Heat, Knicks forward Julius Randle left the matchup with an apparent shoulder injury.
After the game, there was concern that Randle might’ve suffered a significant setback.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Randle suffered a dislocated shoulder based on initial testing. When the star forward received an X-ray not long after the injury occurred, the Knicks were happy to report that there wasn't “much damage,” according to Wojnarowski’s report.
However, Randle needed an MRI this week. As the Eastern Conference pays close attention to Randle’s next testing results, the Knicks are expressing optimism regarding Randle’s setback. While it was initially believed he could miss months' worth of action, Wojnarowski later noted that the Knicks believe it could be a matter of weeks before Randle’s return to action.
“Randle underwent an MRI on Saturday night, and although the evaluation isn't fully completed, there's hope that Randle can avoid a surgical procedure and return after missing several weeks, not months, sources said.”
The Sixers and the Knicks will meet for the second time this season on February 22. Considering the latest report on Randle’s status, there is a chance that New York could have the standout forward back in action by the time the Knicks make their way back to South Philly for a rematch at the Wells Fargo Center.
When the Sixers and the Knicks battled it out for the first time this season on January 5, Randle struggled in his 30 minutes of action. During that time, he chucked up 11 shots, finding success on just one of his attempts. Six of the forward’s eight points came from the charity stripe.
Although Randle wasn’t much of a factor in that matchup, the Knicks dominated Philadelphia, handing the Sixers a 36-point loss. As February approaches, it remains the worst defeat of the 76ers’ 2023-2024 season.
Regardless of Randle’s timeline, the Knicks are going to move forward without their star forward in the lineup for the time being. So far, they remain in good shape as they beat the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night with a 113-92 victory to collect their seventh win in a row.
