Randle to miss at least 2 weeks with ankle sprain

New York Knicks forward Julius Randle will be out at least two weeks after spraining his ankle in Wednesday's win over the Miami Heat, the team announced.

Randle was hurt in the third quarter when he landed awkwardly after jumping to secure an offensive rebound. As he landed, the Knicks star inadvertently stepped on Heat center Bam Adebayo's foot, causing Randle's left ankle to roll suddenly. He was subsequently helped off the court and didn't return to the contest.

The injury comes at an unfavorable time for New York, which is trying to clinch a playoff spot inside the East's top six with five games to play. The Knicks could still drop into the play-in tournament but can only fall as far as eighth, at worst, which would require winning just one game to qualify for the first round.

Randle, who has yet to miss a game all year, leads the Knicks in points and rebounds with 25.1 and 10 per game, respectively. The two-time All-Star is also averaging 4.1 assists through 77 contests.