11:31am: The Knicks confirmed that Randle won’t play in Sunday’s game (Twitter link).
10:27am: Knicks forward Julius Randle will likely be inactive for today’s series opener against Miami, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Randle was visibly exhausted after a pregame workout, according to Steve Popper of Newsday (Twitter link).
Randle was listed as questionable after reinjuring his left ankle during Wednesday’s close-out victory in Cleveland. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Randle is considered day-to-day, but he wasn’t able to participate in practice Saturday.
Randle missed the final five games of the regular season with the original ankle injury and seemed to be bothered during New York’s first-round series as he shot just 33.8% from the field. He was in the middle of his best game of the series when he got hurt again late in the second quarter of Game 5.
Obi Toppin is expected to take Randle’s spot in the starting lineup until he can return. Toppin started the second half on Wednesday and helped the Knicks wrap up their series.
The Heat announced that center Bam Adebayo, who had been listed as probable for Game 1 with a hamstring issue, will be able to play, tweets Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel.
I trust Obi to show up for this game. But in order to win this series, i believe Randle (on top of his game) will be necessary
I think that if Randle had to miss a game or two in a series, this is the best one. Not that the Heat can’t win the series, more so that Love is a perimeter player on offence and won’t force a two big mismatch closer to the rim.
Just get healthy. We need you right. Don’t rush it. Obi will show up. This is Obi1 time now.
Go ny go ny go ……
They better find Vincent. Should put Hart on Vincent. RJ on Jimmy, it’s what I do. Good gm
Jimmy is down ……. that sucks. Don’t want it like this. Praying
Knicks panicking ….. they should be attacking Jimmy. He shouldn’t even be in there.
One game down…3 to 6 more to go.
link to hoopsrumors.com
You can’t lose first gm at Garden. Heat played smarter. Gotta give them credit. They just compete. Knicks better wake up.
20.6% 3PT, 60% FT ….. not good enough
Never make guarantees. Never assume that your team is going to pound any team. Never squawk. Never make statements you may regret later.
link to hoopsrumors.com
Why would I regret. We are still winning. Knicks just got a wake up call. They better have gotten the message. It’s one gm.
Yep, it’s only 1 game. I’ll save your “We are still winning” for later too.
Has to happen every time. Jimmy being hurt makes it not really matter…
If I’m the Knicks, I would cut mitchell Robinson’s minutes significantly this series and mostly use Randle, Toppin, and Hartenstein at the 5
Jimmy was hurt. Knicks should have went after him. That was dumb. Missed opportunity there. Heat played D at end. That was the difference. They need 3 more.
KnickAL: What i noticed too was after halftime they put Butler on Brunson. Thibs never adjusted to that. Its telling because the 3rd quarter Miami made their run. Maybe bring Quickley or grimes in, and move Josh to the 3? Also didn’t feel the hartenstein effect. Thoughts?