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“The approach to Anunoby’s current ailment will be a conservative one, per people briefed on the matter,” Begley wrote.
“The team will not rush Anunoby back, but it’s worth noting that the irritation in his elbow has shown improvement since Monday, people briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.”
Anunoby had surgery on Feb. 8 to remove a loose particle from his right (shooting) elbow. He returned last week and played three games but did not suit up Monday versus the Golden State Warriors, instead returning to New York for an MRI.
The Knicks have gone 15-2 with Anunoby, a midseason trade acquisition from the Toronto Raptors. He’s averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the team.
Randle has been sidelined since suffering the shoulder injury on Jan. 27 in a collision with the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. while driving to the basket. The Knicks initially said he would be reevaluated in two to three weeks.
Begley reported the latest.
“As of the Kings game, Randle still hadn’t been cleared to take full contact. It’s unclear if he’s been cleared for contact in the ensuing days,” Begley wrote. Of note, the Kings game was last Saturday.
“Randle has been able to do everything else on the court as he tries to play through a shoulder dislocation,” Begley continued.
“Three people I spoke to who are familiar with the situation expressed confidence that Randle would ultimately return to the court. He has been sidelined since late January with a shoulder ailment.”
Randle has posted 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest, earning his third All-Star Game nod as well.
So for now, the Knicks remain without both players as they look to move up the Eastern Conference standings. They sit fourth at 41-27 following a four-game win streak.
