A bucket of cold water for the Knicks' future aspirations, according to journalist Adrian Wojnarowski espn Julius Randle will miss the rest of the season after deciding to have surgery on his right shoulder, it has been confirmed.

Randle had undergone a comprehensive rehabilitation program over the past two months with the aim of returning as quickly as possible. However, the worst omens have been confirmed in the heat of the battle for an outright spot in the playoffs (they currently sit in fifth place, half a game behind the Orlando Magic).

The Texas native has done everything he can to avoid surgery, including two recent visits to medical specialists who advised him that the best thing for his athletic future was surgery, because any setback on the field could worsen his shoulder condition.

A few days ago, Josh Hart announced that Randle and Anunoby were not close to returning. With Randle completely ruled out, will the British striker be next?

In his fourth year wearing a Knicks jersey, he was selected for the third time in his career to play in the All-Star Game, and also had numbers of 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 36 minutes per night.

Complex calendar

Without Randle, and certainly without OG Anunoby, the Knicks have a tough challenge ahead of them. They have seven days to try to stay in fifth place in the East, or try to climb into the fourth spot that would allow them to gain home-field advantage in the postseason.

This is how the final section of the course will be set up:

• vs. Sacramento Kings
• vs Chicago Bulls @
• vs. Milwaukee Bucks @
• vs Chicago Bulls @
• vs Boston Celtics @
• Against Brooklyn Nets
• Against the Chicago Bulls

@ Matches played outside our home will be. In total four of their next seven matches.

(Cover photo: Mitchell Liff/Getty Images)