Knicks rule out All-Star forward Julius Randle (ankle) for Game 1 vs. Heat
The Miami Heat won’t be the only team missing a starter in Game 1 of its second-round playoff series.
While the Heat remains without starting guard Tyler Herro because of a broken hand, the Knicks ruled out starting forward Julius Randle (sprained left ankle) for the opening game of the teams’ second-round series on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden. Randle was listed as questionable before he was ruled out 30 minutes before tipoff.
Randle, who was named an All-Star this season, re-sprained his left ankle in the Knicks’ series-clinching win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round on Wednesday.
Randle led the Knicks in scoring in the regular season with 25.1 points per game. He also averaged 10 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game.
After missing the final five games of the regular season with the same injury, Randle started all five first-round games. He averaged 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and three assists per game in the first round of the playoffs against the Cavaliers before leaving Game 5 early.
Obi Toppin will start in Randle’s place on Sunday.
Along with missing Randle, the Knicks will be without Jericho Sims (right shoulder surgery) in Game 1.
The Heat will be without Herro and Victor Oladipo (torn patellar tendon) in Game 1.
This story was originally published April 30, 2023 at 12:23 PM.
