Knicks’ Julius Randle Targeting Return for Game 1 vs. Cavs

Knicks power forward Julius Randle is aiming to return from a sprained ankle in the first game of the Eastern Conference playoff series vs. the Cavaliers, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Sources told Hoops Wire the same on Wednesday.

Game 1 is Saturday at 6 p.m. EST in Cleveland.

Randle started in each of the Knicks’ first 77 games before going down with the sprained injury on March 29. Earlier this week, coach Tom Thibodeau said Randle had been doing some running at practice and was making “good, steady progress.”

At that time, Hoops Wire reported that Randle was indeed targeting a return for Game 1. He will test the ankle just before the game, it seems, then decide whether he can play.

Randle, 28, is averaging a career-high 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds, shooting 46 percent from the field.

New York is in the playoffs for the second time in three years, this time as the No. 5 overall seed in the Eastern Conference.

ESPN Sources: Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle (left ankle sprain) is targeting a return vs. the Cavaliers on Saturday. Randle has been steadily improving and plans to test his left ankle prior to gametime before making a final decision on rejoining lineup for Game 1.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 14, 2023