Tatum ready for familiar bounce-back in Game 2

The New York Knicks went on a playoff run last season without Julius Randle, which has led to some consideration of how he fits into the team long-term. The Knicks and Randle are reportedly not rushing extension talks, but a trade is unlikely as he enters what could be his walk year with a player option in 2025.

The Knicks are believed to have a higher perspective of his value than any other team in the NBA.

“I don’t believe there is a team in the NBA that would value the three-time All-Star more than the Knicks do,” writes Fred Katz at The Athletic.

“Neutral, at best,” a source told said of Randle’s perceived trade value.

Trae Young had his one-month follow-up evaluation on Monday and is making progress in his recovery from when he sustained a left fifth finger torn ligament on Feb. 23 and underwent surgery on Feb. 27.

As the next step of his rehabilitation, Young will introduce small finger motion exercises this week.

The Atlanta Hawks will almost certainly finish the regular season with either the ninth or 10th seed and be in the play-in.