USA TODAY SPORTS
Knicks Injuries: Will Julius Randle Play Game 1 vs. Heat?
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, New York Knicks forward and All-Star Julius Randle is not expected to play in Sunday's Eastern Conference Semifinals opener against the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
Randle is still nursing an ankle injury sustained in the Knicks' Wednesday victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which clinched their first series triumph since 2013. Though Randle's struggles in the series were well-documented, to the point where was held out of the fourth quarter of Game 4's crucial fourth quarter, he was beginning to find a bit of a groove before his medically-induced departure, putting up a contest-best six assists and sinking each of his last three shots. The injury occurred in the penultimate minute of the first half as Randle was attempting to block a Caris LeVert triple.
The ankle he injured was the same that kept him out of the final five regular season games, which prevented him from playing a full slate of 82. Randle was originally labeled questionable for Sunday's game and spent most of the week shooting at the end of practice.
While Josh Hart notably filled in for Quentin Grimes in the starting five during the last two games (pulling down 12 rebounds in Wednesday's clincher in Cleveland), it'd be no surprise to see Obi Toppin re-enter the opening lineup with Randle out. Toppin took over for Randle after he left and scored 12 points in the third quarter as the Knicks maintained and nurtured an almost eternal lead. He also played the final five regular season games in Randle's place.
Grimes, who sustained a contused shoulder in the second victory over the Cavs, is expected to play barring anything unforeseen, as the second-year starting five staple was optimistic about taking the floor going into the weekend.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Knicks? Click Here.
Follow AllKnicks.com on Twitter.
