Knicks All-Star got multiple warnings from doctors before huge injury update

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski made it clear that Randle seemingly did everything possible to return to the court this season, but he would've jeopardized his career if he had done so.

While the Eastern Conference playoff picture is jumbled past the top-seeded Boston Celtics, the Knicks have already clinched a postseason berth. New York (44-31) is currently seeded fifth and in good position to avoid the play-in tournament, but it could still jump as high as the second seed.

With All-Star guard Jalen Brunson leading the way and the recent return of center Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could still make some noise in the playoffs. Other key contributors include Brunson's college teammates Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, the former of whom is having a career year.

The top 10 teams in the East are set (with the seeding still to be determined), but New York may not know their first-round opponent until next week or even the week after.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau's group could stand a chance against any current play-in teams, as well as the upstart Orlando Magic and struggling Milwaukee Bucks. Depending on matchups, though, the Knicks will likely struggle in the later postseason rounds, potentially against the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and/or Miami Heat.

Without its three-time All-Star big man, New York doesn't appear likely to advance past the conference semifinals for the first time since 2000.