CLEVELAND — Not surprisingly, Julius Randle will be a game-time decision.
The Knicks weren’t likely to be definitive with his status until they absolutely had to be, so as expected, their leading scorer officially has been listed as questionable for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Cavaliers on Saturday.
Still, the two-time All-Star forward has been “steadily improving” and is “targeting a return” in the series opener, according to ESPN, and he’ll test his sprained left ankle during pregame warm-ups before making a final decision.
Randle sat out the final five games of the regular season after suffering the injury against the Heat on March 29 at Madison Square Garden.
He returned to “parts of practice” earlier this week, according to coach Tom Thibodeau on Thursday.
There was no media availability Friday on the Knicks’ travel day.
Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen seemed surprised when asked about the possibility of Randle not playing, adding Cleveland has been preparing as if the Knicks will have their leading scorer (25.1 points per game) and rebounder (10.0) in the lineup.
Julius Randle remains questionable for the Knick’s Game 1 clash against the Cavaliers. Getty Images“Uhhh, is that a thing? OK,” Allen told reporters on Thursday. “I guess that just shows that we’re prepared either way. I mean, anything can happen. He could play, he could not play. I guess we’re not ready if he doesn’t play, but we have things set up to how they should be.”
One of the late-season games Randle missed was a Knicks victory over the Cavaliers on March 31, in which Jalen Brunson scored a career-high 48 points.
Julius Randle injured his ankle during the Knicks’ win over the Heat on March 29. Getty ImagesObi Toppin, Josh Hart and possibly second-year center Jericho Sims would replace Randle’s minutes if he’s unable to play Saturday.
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday.
Brunson was named one of three finalists for the league’s Most Improved Player award, which Randle won in 2021.
The point guard is competing with Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) for the trophy.
Immanuel Quickley also was named a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year, along with Malcolm Brogdon (Celtics) and Bobby Portis(Bucks).
As expected, the MVP finalists are Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Joel Embiid(76ers) and two-time defending winner Nikola Jokic(Nuggets).
Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoroalso has been listed as questionable for the series opener.
He hasn’t played since March 26 due to left knee soreness.
