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Phew! Julius Randle Avoids Serious Injury

Jan 27, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (30) is helped by medical staff after an injury during the second half against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

NBA: Miami Heat at New York Knicks

NEW YORK – Breath in. Breath out. Breathe it. Breath out.

There was speculation around the association that Knicks forward Julius Randle’s season was in jeopardy after he suffered a shoulder injury against the Heat on Saturday.

While the team has made no official announcement (because… it’s the Knicks), multiple reports say Randle is expected to miss “weeks,” not “months” with a dislocated right shoulder. He had an MRI Saturday that showed he will not need surgery, per NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

It was an apparent fluke injury that occurred when Randle drove for a layup and Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. tried to draw a charge.

Randle has yet again played at an All-Star level this season and very possibly could be named as an All-Star reserve this Thursday, but his ability to participate in the game on Feb. 18 seems doubtful.

But the extended break should allow Randle to return not long after All-Star weekend. Tonight’s game in Charlotte will be the first the 29-year-old has missed all season.

So, the Knicks star avoided a significant injury. That’s the good news. Yet Randle’s absence creates a significant void in New York’s rotation. Other members of the Knicks’ rotation are ready to step up, like forward Josh Hart

“I think it’s gonna be a collective (effort), unless between now and game time I can put on 45 pounds of mostly muscle,” Josh Hart said.

Expect Hart, Precious Achiuwa and OG Anunoby to get more run while Randle is out.