As the Knicks prepare to face the Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they look to welcome a key member of their rotation back into the lineup.
Second-year guard Quentin Grimes, who emerged as a full-time starter this past season, missed the final two games of New York's opening-round series win over Cleveland. And while the Knicks were able to close the first round out in Grimes' absence, he will be looked upon to play a major role in the second round.
Grimes is a 6-foot-5 guard that has developed a reputation for his solid play, particularly on the defensive end. His presence could prove to be key as the Knicks take on Jimmy Butler and the Heat.
Will Grimes be ready to take the floor when the series gets underway? Here is what we know about his injury.
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What is Quentin Grimes' injury?
In Game 3 of New York's first-round series with Cleveland, Grimes exited right before halftime while reaching for his right shoulder.
It is unclear exactly when the injury was sustained, but the Knicks ruled him out for the game with a right shoulder contusion. Grimes would be later ruled out of Game 4, where he was seen wearing a sling on New York's bench.
After being upgraded to questionable for Game 5, Grimes was eventually downgraded to out once again, though he was no longer in a sling.
Grimes appeared in 71 regular-season games for the Knicks (66 starts), posting averages of 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He started in each of the three playoff games he appeared in prior to the injury.
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Is Quentin Grimes playing in Game 1 vs. Heat?
Grimes is "close to 100 percent" and will be available for the Knicks in Game 1, per SNYtv's Ian Begley.
Quentin Grimes says he’s close to 100 percent healthy after missing two games with a shoulder issue. Continued to feel better Friday and Saturday. He says he is playing today vs. Heat.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 30, 2023
He will come off the bench in his first game back, with Josh Hart filling his spot in the starting lineup.
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Knicks vs. Heat schedule
The Eastern Conference Semifinals series between the Knicks and Heat begins on Sunday, April 30.
As the higher seed, New York has home court advantage and will host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 of the series while Miami hosts Games 3, 4 and 6.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 30 | Game 1 | 1 p.m. at Knicks | ABC |
| May 2 | Game 2 | TBD at Knicks | TNT |
| May 6 | Game 3 | TBD at Heat | ABC |
| May 8 | Game 4 | 7:30 p.m. at Heat | TNT |
| May 10 | Game 5* | TBD at Knicks | TNT |
| May 12 | Game 6* | TBD at Heat | ESPN |
| May 15 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. at Knicks | TNT |
*If necessary.
