Trouble in NY, as Two Knicks Stars Out With Injuries

The New York Knicks have been on an incredible run ever since acquiring OG Anunoby, going 12-2 since the trade heading into Monday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. However, that wild sustained run could come to an end as they’ve learned today that not one but two stars will be out of the lineup for the time being.

The most serious of the injuries is to Julius Randle, who will be out for “at least a few weeks“ with a separated shoulder according to NBA insider ShamsCharania.

Sources: Knicks star Julius Randle is expected to be sidelined for at least a few weeks with a right shoulder dislocation. Appears to be a sigh of relief for New York as initial reviews of MRI reveal no significant damage. pic.twitter.com/b4JAwMI0GJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2024

The injury, however, is being looked at as good news, as an MRI did not reveal any significant damage.

Randall has averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds and five assists this season, and his absence leaves a huge scoring void.

Making matters worse, the Knicks are also without Anunoby for Monday night’s game due to elbow inflammation.

Knicks say OG Anunoby has right elbow inflammation and is out tonight vs. Charlotte.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2024

Anunoby has been a rock since arriving in New York, playing his staunch defense and averaging 35.7 minutes a game while putting up 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, while posting an outrageous and historical plus/minus of +252, the greatest such mark through a player’s first 14 games with a team.

They’ll have to do without him on Monday night, however, and although it might be too early to ring any alarm bells for Knicks fans, it should be noted that Anunoby has had some trouble staying healthy over the course of his career. His games played over the past few seasons with the Toronto Raptors are 67, 48, and 43. That’s 78 games missed over three seasons, heading into the 2023-24 campaign.

Given his transformational impact on the Knicks since joining the team, OG has already made himself irreplaceable. New York will hope that this elbow issue remains minor and he does not miss much time.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports