Knicks Injuries: Will 'Improving' Julius Randle Play Game 1 vs. Cavaliers?

The New York Knicks received an intriguing update about the status of injured All-Star Julius Randle about 24 hours before tip-off.

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When it comes to the New York Knicks, one doesn't have to wait until the final buzzer for postseason drama. 

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, all signs point to All-Star Julius Randle being a game-time decision for the Eastern Conference first-round opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers (6 p.m. ET, ESPN). Randle, set to make his second postseason appearance with the Knicks, has not played since leaving a late-March win over Miami with an ankle injury, one that caused him to miss the final five games of the regular season.

Wojnarowski says that Randle is "targeting" a Saturday return but pregame warm-ups will ultimately decide his fate.

"Randle has been steadily improving," the insider said. "(He) plans to test his left ankle prior to game time before making a final decision on rejoining (the) lineup for Game 1."

After a disappointing follow-up to his metropolitan breakout in 2021-22, Randle regained his form to the tune of a career-best 25.4 points per game and 10 rebounds. He appeared in all 77 games prior to his injury and Wojnarowski notes that Randle has "typically shown a willingness to play at less than 100 percent" this season. 

The general consensus surrounding Randle is that it appears to be a matter of "when" not "if" he'll play in the best-of-seven series against Cleveland. Knicks broadcaster Mike Breen hinted as much at the start of the week and head coach Tom Thibodeau later said that Randle was "doing well" but not fully cleared to partake in practice.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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