Why isn’t Julius Randle playing for the Knicks against the Sixers in game 3?

The Knicks have the upper hand as they go into game 3 against the Sixers, with a 2-0 lead over their opponents after a pair of games at Madison Square Gardens (111-104 & 104-101).

The news got worse for the losing side as they were wobbling without Joel Embiid, who has once again been marked down as ‘questionable’ ahead of the Game, but that’s not to say that the New York side are having things entirely their own way.

The Knicks are set to be without three-time NBA All-Star player Julius Randle, who has been listed as ‘out’ on the official NBA injury list by his side.

What is Julius Randle’s injury?

The power forward dislocated his right shoulder in January in their win over the Heat and has not played since, with the Knicks announcing almost immediately that it would be at least 5 months until he will evaluated in terms of his game fitness.

The club announced in April that the results of various examinations revealed he would have to undergo surgery in order to solve the issue and that he would not be seen on the court again until at least the start of next season. Reports at the time said that Randle even risked permanent damage in his shoulder if he returned before surgery.

As for his numbers, the Texas native appeared in 46 of a possible 82 Games in 2023-24, averaging 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists. “We wanted to take a look at, could we rehab it and strengthen it get it to the point where he could play?” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “And we could never get there, so this is the decision.”

Joel Embiid out a boost for the Knicks

Joel Embiid is once again listed as ‘questionable’ ahead of Game 3. Embiid, who went into the first Game of the series with the same injury status, played 37 and 39 minutes, respectively, during the first two Games.

However, despite the physical issue, still managed to grab 63 points, 18 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block during his time on the court. Embiid not being at full speed gives the Knicks a huge moral boost as they look to increase their lead.

The Game between the 76ers and the Knicks will begin on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET / 10:30 PM PT at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can follow the action as it unfolds on AS USA.