Knicks’ Julius Randle Progressing, Aims to Play in Game 1 vs. Cavs

Power forward Julius Randle has been down but may not be out for the Knicks’ playoff series vs. the Cavaliers.

Game 1 is Saturday in Cleveland and Randle is hoping to be able to return from a sprained ankle by then.

“Just the next step, following the protocol progression. So making good steady progress,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said of Randle’s rehab, via Peter Botte of the New York Post. “He’s shooting, but no contact or anything like that. But he’s doing well, overall.”

Randle suffered a sprained ankle on March 29 vs. the Heat. At the time, the Knicks said Randle would be re-evaluated in two weeks. That means he’ll have it checked this week. Multiple sources have told Hoops Wire that Randle is targeting a return for Game 1.

But for now, his status appears to be very much in limbo.

Randle, 28, is averaging a career-high 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds, shooting 46 percent from the field, entering the playoffs. He played and started in each of the Knicks’ first 77 games, before suffering the ankle sprain and missing the final five.

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