Knicks vs Heat Game 1: Julius Randle Remains Questionable Due to Ankle Injury

• Julius Randle aggravated his left ankle injury in Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers
• He initially injured his ankle during a regular season game against the Heat on March 29
• The Knicks forward remains questionable for Sunday’s series opener against Miami

Julius Randle is in a race against time to be fit for the New York Knicks’ series opener against the Miami Heat.

The All-Star forward’s status remains questionable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals due to a left ankle injury.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau isn’t concerned, though, saying they are hopeful Randle will be ready to play on Sunday.

Thibodeau gave an update on Randle’s injury after Friday’s practice, saying, "He didn't do much today, but he's feeling a little bit better."

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Thibodeau wants Randle to go through his rehab and see where he’s at on Saturday, per ESPN.

Randle aggravates ankle injury

The 28-year-old Knicks star originally injured his left ankle in a March 29 victory over Miami and missed the remainder of the regular season as a result.

He returned just in time for the playoffs, starting Game 1 of New York’s first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Randle was ineffective, however, to start the postseason, going 21 of 65 from the field through the first four games against the Cavs.

Such was the struggles of Randle that Thibodeau benched him for the fourth quarter of Game 4. New York fared well without him, recording a 102-93 win in that contest.

He bounced back in Game 5, racking up 13 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 16 minutes before turning his ankle again.

Randle wasn't able to return, missing the entire second half of Game 5.

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Grimes ready to return 

There was some good news for the Knicks on the injury front heading into Game 1.

Quentin Grimes expects to return for Sunday’s contest after a shoulder contusion sidelined him in Games 4 and 5 against the Cavs.

Grimes made 66 starts for the Knicks this season. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this campaign.

Playoff joy for Knicks fans

Sports Brief recently reported on the fans’ reactions to New York winning in the first round of the playoffs.

They paid tribute to Jalen Brunson, who excelled in his first playoff series for the Knicks.

He averaged 24 points per game in the series win against the Cavs.