Julius Randle Injury Update: Will Knicks Star Play Game 1 vs. Cavs?

New York Knicks star Julius Randle may not be able to play in Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The top storyline surrounding the New York Knicks as Saturday's Game 1 matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers nears is the injury status of Julius Randle. Is the dynamic forward going to be available to play?

After Wednesday's practice, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned that Randle is progressing in his recovery from his ankle injury, but he has yet to be fully cleared. When the Knicks first tip-off against the Cavs on Saturday evening (6 p.m. ET, ESPN), it will mark 17 days since Randle sustained his injury.

“He’s doing well overall,” Thibodeau said Wednesday afternoon of Randle, per NJ.com. “He’s been cleared for parts of practice, but he hasn’t been fully cleared yet, but he’s making good progress.” 

When asked if there's optimism regarding Randle's status for Game 1, Thibodeau made clear that it's "hard to say," but the team is taking it "day-by-by"as the start of the playoffs is approaching. 

“It’s hard to say,” Thibodeau said. “The thing I like is that each day he’s been better. So if he’s ready, he’s ready. If he needs more time, we’ll give him more time.” 

As in Randle's case, Jalen Brunson was also sidelined to close the Knicks' regular season. Is there a concern about a lack of rhythm entering the start of a playoff series, especially when starting out on the road? For the coaching staff, those are difficult decisions that need to be made. 

“You worry about everything if you’re a head coach,” Thibodeau said. “That’s the big question always: rest versus rhythm. In [Brunson’s] case, it was needed because of the injury. Same with Julius. And so, that’s always a concern, but there’s always a silver lining. 

Thibodeau explained: "We say, well, hopefully the rest helps. Then we know that we’re going to have to be at our best when the ball goes up on Saturday.” 

More updates regarding Randle's ankle injury are expected closer to the start of Game 1 of their first-round series. 

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