After a successful two-game home stand, the New York Knicks are back on the road to face the Toronto Raptors. Jalen Brunson and Co. are currently seeded 4th in the Eastern Conference with a 43-28 record. With only 11 games remaining in the regular season, the Knicks are looking to finish the season strong before the playoffs start. Unfortunately, though, they are missing several stars due to injury, including OG Anunoby and Julius Randle.

Amid the injury concerns, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau gave a major update about Forward OG Anunoby that could further increase New York’s problems. Anunoby has been out for the last 5 games due to right elbow injury management. He has made decent progress in his recovery, following his conditioning work before tonight’s game. Despite that, Coach Thibs refused to put a timeline on the 26-year-old’s return. “No, just allowing it to calm down, and each day it’s a little better, but be patient, get through it,” Thibodeau said about OG’s expected return.

Anunoby will miss his 6th straight game tonight, and it is still uncertain when he will return to the lineup. OG made a hopeful return on March 12 against the Philadelphia 76ers following his elbow surgery. Unfortunately, the Knicks star reaggravated his surgically repaired elbow just two games later and had to be ruled out again. The Knicks need Anunoby back in the lineup considering their escalated performance with their shooting guard on the floor. Jalen Brunson and Co. are 15-2 with Anunoby this season.

The Knicks are thus hoping for OG to return soon as they yet await a word on their other star, Julius Randle’s return to the court.

Is Julius Randle returning anytime soon?

Much like OG Anunoby, Julius Randle has also missed the majority of the season due to injury. Randle has not suited up for the Knicks since January 27, after he dislocated his right shoulder during a game against the Miami Heat. Randle was playing at an All-Star level before he got injured, averaging 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Knicks are optimistic about the 29-year-old Forward returning before the playoffs start.

Tom Thibodeau revealed on Friday that Randle is still waiting to play contact basketball and is trying to strengthen his shoulder area. Coach Thibs said, “Just keep working at it, and you never know when it turns. So, that’s the way we have to approach it.” Even if Anunoby and Randle return to the lineup before the playoffs start, they will need some time to get back in game shape. Their availability will be crucial in the playoffs as the Knicks might not be able to make up for their lack of size in the postseason like they have done all year.

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