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Julius Randle is inactive for the New York Knicks' Game 3 contest in their 2024 NBA Playoffs first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Randle is not playing as he is recovering from shoulder surgery. The two-time NBA All-Star sustained the injury on Jan. 27 against the Miami Heat in a 125-109 win.
Randle fell hard to the floor after a collision with Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. He injured his right shoulder, which got dislocated. Randle contemplated surgery as he wanted to return for the regular season. After spending weeks in rehab, he was inching closer to a return.
However, a contact training session setback reaggravated his injury and forced him to undergo surgery to recover from the ailment. Randle was ruled out for five months after his decision was announced on Apr. 4. He won't participate in this postseason for the Knicks, the second seed in the East.
No Julius Randle, no problem for the Knicks
Julius Randle's absence made the New York Knicks a coveted first-round opponent for play-in tournament teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat.
The 76ers, with Joel Embiid, won that battle. That instantly raised doubts about the Knicks' chances of making the next round despite being the higher seed because of Randle's absence. However, Randle being out for over two and a half months helped New York prepare to play without him.
That's showing in their first-round series against the 76ers as they are up 2-0 after successfully defending home court in Games 1 and 2. The Knicks' exceptional roster building is showing in these playoffs, as their balance and depth have carried them against the 76ers.
Jalen Brunson has shot a measly 29.1%, including 16.7% from 3-point range. However, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride and Bojan Bogdanovic have covered Brunson's struggles in Randle's absence. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson have been tremendous on defense against Joel Embiid.
They have limited him to 39.2% shooting in the series and dominated the reigning NBA MVP on the boards.
The Knicks seemingly have the upper hand and will look to close out the series and book a second-round clash with the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers, who have gotten off to a rocky start.
