Julius Randle targeting return to open NBA Playoffs on Saturday

Minnesota Timberwolves v New York Knicks — NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 20: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball as Taurean Prince #12 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2023 in New York City. The Timberwolves won 140-134. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Former Kentucky standout Julius Randle is back right on time, planning to make his return from injury to open the NBA Playoffs on Saturday.

Spraining his left ankle back on March 29, the standout forward has been ”steadily improving” and will test how he’s feeling leading up to the New York Knicks’ opening-round matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Should all go well, he’ll rejoin the lineup for Game 1, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

ESPN Sources: Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle (left ankle sprain) is targeting a return vs. the Cavaliers on Saturday. Randle has been steadily improving and plans to test his left ankle prior to gametime before making a final decision on rejoining lineup for Game 1.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 14, 2023

The Knicks officially list Randle as questionable for the playoff opener.

The 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward is averaging 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists per contest this season while shooting 46.0% from the field, 34.3% from three and 75.7% at the line. Leading up to his ankle injury, Randle hadn’t missed a game all season — 77 played overall, 35.5 minutes per game.

A nine-year pro, Randle has been an NBA All-Star twice, both within the past three seasons. Suiting up for the Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans and Knicks, he’s broken through as a star in New York, averaging 22.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per contest over the course of four years.

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During his time at Kentucky in 2013-14, Randle led the team with 15.0 points and 10.4 rebounds in 30.8 minutes per contest, shooting 50.1% from the field and 70.6% at the line. Setting a UK single-season freshman records in rebounds (417), double-doubles (24) and made free throws (204), the 6-foot-9 forward was named a Third-Team All-American, SEC Freshman of the Year and an All-SEC First Team member.

He was drafted No. 7 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Nine years later, the veteran forward hopes to lead his Knicks to a run in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. First up, the Cavaliers, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. on ESPN.