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“The approach regarding Anunoby’s current illness will be conservative, according to those briefed on the matter,” Begley wrote.
“The team won’t rush Anunoby, but it should be noted that the irritation in his elbow has improved since Monday, people briefed on the matter said Tuesday.”
Anunoby had surgery on February 8 to remove a loose particle from his right (shooting) elbow. He returned last week and played in three games, but did not wear his uniform Monday against the Golden State Warriors, instead returning to New York for an MRI.
The Knicks are 15-2 this season with Anunoby, a midseason trade acquisition from the Toronto Raptors. He averaged 14.5 points and 4.9 rebounds for the team.
Randle has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder Jan. 27 in a collision with the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. while driving to the basket. The Knicks originally said he would be re-evaluated in two to three weeks.
Begley reported the latest.
“At the time of the game against the Kings, Randle had still not been cleared for contact. It is unclear whether he was cleared for contact in the days that followed,” Begley wrote. It should be noted that the Kings game took place last Saturday.
“Randle was able to do everything else on the field trying to play through a dislocated shoulder,” Begley continued.
“Three people I spoke to who are familiar with the situation expressed confidence that Randle would eventually return to the field. He has been out since late January with a shoulder ailment.”
Randle posted 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists, also winning his third All-Star Game title.
So for now, the Knicks remain without both players as they look to climb back up the Eastern Conference standings. They currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 41-27 record following a four-game winning streak.
