NBA playoffs: Knicks star Julius Randle (ankle) returning in Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Julius Randle is returning at just the right time for the New York Knicks.

The All-Star forward is available to play and starting in Game 1 of the Knicks' series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, the team announced. He had previously been deemed questionable, but was reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski to have been steadily improving and a game-time decision for Saturday.

Randle had been out since March 29 after landing his foot awkwardly on the foot of Bam Adebayo during a game against the Miami Heat. The Knicks announced the next day that Randle would be reevaluated in two weeks, effectively ending his regular season and putting his first-round availability into question.

The status of Randle loomed large for the Knicks, who went 3-2 in their five games without Randle to end the season — including a 130-116 win over the Cavaliers — but had him play in every game of the season up to that point.

In 77 games this season, Randle averaged a career-high 25.1 points per game on 45.9% shooting (34.3% from 3-point range) plus 10 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He is currently playing on the first year of a four-year, $117 million contract extension signed in August 2021.

Game 1 between the Knicks and Cavaliers is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Saturday in Cleveland (ESPN).