Getty Image / Kirk Irwin
The New York Knicks are set to take on the Miami Heat for Game 1 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
It should be a fun matchup, as both teams were red-hot in the first round.
However, things might be a little difficult for the Knicks to start this series, as the franchise received troubling news about Julius Randle.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Randle is officially ruled out for Game 1 against the Heat.
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
The ankle sprain is seemingly serious enough for Julius Randle to off an important playoff game for the Knicks.
Especially considering how well Jimmy Butler played recently. This might be exactly what Miami needs to steal Game 1.
As you can imagine, Knicks fans aren’t taking this news too well.
Well this sucks
— Alexa Bliss and Bray Wyatt Fanpage (@AlexaDaGOAT) April 30, 2023
Some fans are choosing to be optimistic at least.
Dangggg man….he needs to heal 100%….maybe bring him back when we go to Miami.
— Get Stoned Talk Sports (@theGSTSshow) April 30, 2023
Game 1 might be rough for New York.
Knicks fans right now
— Sinai (@SinaiNot) April 30, 2023
Jimmy Butler is coming for the Knicks like Freddy Krueger.
Knicks fans preparing for playoff Jimmy pic.twitter.com/jzfVfRL7X7
— Lost Tribe Sports (@LostTribeSports) April 30, 2023
Obi Toppin will likely step in as the starter, which isn’t a terrible scenario. Even so, not having Julius Randle could prove to be detrimental for the Knicks in Game 1.
Hopefully, he can recover and help New York in Game 2. If not, things could really become dicey for this team’s playoff hopes.