Julius Randle Expected To Make Return To Knicks Lineup For Game One Against Cavs

Julius Randle is reportedly anticipating playing for the New York Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

There have been many questions on the injury front leading up to the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks' highly anticipated first-round matchup in the 2023 NBA playoffs.

The picture of who will and won't be playing has become more clear as game one tips off in just over a day. 

Knicks star, Julius Randle, has been sidelined for the past two and a half weeks with an ankle sprain which he suffered on March 29. However, the All-Star and former Most Improved Player of the Year is planning to make his return to the lineup in game one, per ESPN.

Randle will reportedly test out his ankle ahead of the game before officially giving it a go, but signs certainly point to him playing. Adrian Wojnarowski also reported that Randle is open to giving it his all, whether that means he's fully or healthy or not.

This type of availability is expected with it being the playoffs.

There's no dispute that Randle is one of the most important players for the Knicks. He's often their first option on offense as he averages 25 points a night. But the big man can also find the open man as well.

New York is a fantastic rebounding team and a lot of that has to do with Randle who averages 10 rebounds a night. This will make the battle in the paint between him and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen an exciting one to watch.

The Cavs and Knicks kick off the series on Saturday evening at Rocket Mortage FieldHouse with tip-off at 6:00 PM. 

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