New York Knicks forward Julius Randle after injuring his right shoulder in a game against the Miami Heat on Jan. 27, 2024
(Photo : Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts after an injury against the Miami Heat in the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 27, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Heat 125-109.

New York Knicks fans can breathe a sigh of relief after Monday's Julius Randle injury update.

The Knicks forward was forced to exit New York's home game against the Miami Heat this past Saturday after dislocating his right shoulder, causing concern that he could miss the rest of what's been a promising 2023-24 season for the franchise.

According to an update on Randle's condition posted at 10:40 a.m. EST Monday on X (formerly known as Twitter) by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the 6-foot-8 all-star will reportedly not be missing as much time as initially believed.

"As testing continues on Julius Randle's right shoulder, indications are optimistic that his absence will be measured in weeks and not months, sources tell ESPN," Wojnarowski posted.

Randle dislocated his right shoulder late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game versus Miami. He braced himself with his right hand as he was about to hit the hardwood after driving hard to the basket for a layup and drawing a blocking foul on Heat defender Jaime Jaquez, Jr.

The Knicks - who improved to 12-2 in 2024 after beating Miami 125-109 - can certainly live with the news, especially as they contend for postseason positioning in the Eastern Conference.

New York entered the day seeded fourth with a 29-17 record, behind the Boston Celtics (35-11), Milwaukee Bucks (32-14) and Philadelphia 76ers (29-15).

With Randle out of the starting lineup, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau will have to find a replacement at one of the forward positions. Sixth man Josh Hart is a likely option to play small forward for New York Monday night against the Charlotte Hornets, making OG Anunoby the natural option at power forward.

No matter the configuration of the Knicks' starting lineup during Randle's absence, their fans can take some solace in receiving news that the team's second leading scorer appears to be returning from his injury sooner rather than later.