The Knicks are going into their series against the Cleveland Cavs without Julius Randle for Game 1. If he can return after that, they have a chance.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are hosting the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. The winner doesn’t just head to the second round, they can say that they massively overperformed on preseason expectations by getting to the second round of the playoffs.
The Cavs are the No. 4 after trading for Donovan Mitchell in the offseason and forming a big three of him, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley. They were expected to be a future big three that could seriously contend for a title as soon as Mobley jumped on his offensive potential. Mobley hasn’t really expanded his usage, still, the Cavs are in a position to make the second round of the playoffs.
The Knicks are the No. 5 after signing Jalen Brunson in the offseason in a deal that was widely criticized around the league. Brunson has proved the doubters wrong and has caused even more turmoil in Dallas with his play after not signing an extension with them. The Knicks most likely will be without Julius Randle for Games 1 and 2 of this series, as he is recovering from a sprained ankle.
The Knicks need Julius Randle against the Cavs
When he was injured two weeks ago, Shams Charania reported that the date that he was to be re-evaluated will be the date of Game 1 of this series. Still, it seems that he could be out for a significant part of the series. New York would be lucky to get him back for Game 3 or even the fourth game of the series, as that would only be three weeks from when the injury occurred.
If the Knicks want to win this series, they will need Jalen Brunson to have a playoff moment. He will need to carry the Knicks offensively if they want to steal a game on the road without Randle. Yes, the Knicks have a team of solid role players in guys like Obi Toppin, Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson but they can’t match the star power of Darius Garland and Donvann Mitchell.
This series will be entertaining if the Knicks are able to get Julius Randle back from injury. If they aren’t then this series could be over before it gets back to New York. They have the depth to challenge a more star-studded Cavs team, but without Randle, it will be tough for them to match star for star.
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