The Knicks won their first playoff series since 2013, but not without a setback.
In a potential closeout Game 5 against the Cavaliers, All-Star forward Julius Randle re-injured his left ankle — an ailment he was dealing with coming into the postseason.
Prior to suffering the left ankle injury with five games remaining in the season, Randle had not missed a game for the Knicks. He had appeared in all 77 games before missing the season's final five contests.
How serious is Randle's left ankle injury and will it cost him to miss time in the next round? The Sporting News has the latest updates below.
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What is Julius Randle's injury?
Going into the first-round series between the Knicks and Cavaliers, there was a fear that Randle would miss some time after suffering a left ankle injury with five games remaining in the regular season.
Randle originally rolled his left ankle when he stepped on Heat center Bam Adebayo's foot fighting for an offensive rebound.
His ankle injury in Game 5 was similar as he landed on Cavaliers wing Caris LeVert's foot while closing out on a shot attempt.
Julius Randle hurt his left ankle after contesting a shot by Caris LeVert.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 27, 2023
Randle then got up & slightly limps off towards the locker room 🙏pic.twitter.com/lBVjTUZN9G
Randle stayed down briefly before hobbling to the sideline, almost immediately heading back to the locker room to receive treatment. Prior to the injury, Randle was enjoying a bounce-back game with 13 points, six assists and four rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
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How long will Julius Randle be out?
Randle is out for the first game of the Knicks' second-round series against the Heat due to a left ankle sprain.
Knicks All-Star F Julius Randle (ankle sprain) is expected to be out for Game 1 vs. Miami today, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 30, 2023
There has been no indication if Randle is expected to miss time beyond Game 1. His next chance to suit up comes on Tuesday, May 2 for another home game at Madison Square Garden.
Knicks vs. Heat schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the second-round series between New York and Miami:
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 30 | Game 1 | 1 p.m. | ABC |
| May 2 | Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| May 6 | Game 3 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| May 8 | Game 4 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| May 10 | Game 5* | TBD | TNT |
| May 12 | Game 6* | TBD | ESPN |
| May 15 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. | TNT |
*If necessary
