The New York Knicks' playoff hopes have taken a hit as two key players, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, continue to face setbacks in their recoveries. Randle, who had been battling a dislocated right shoulder, will undergo season-ending surgery, while Anunoby's elbow issues have kept him sidelined for nine consecutive games.

Randle's setback was revealed by the Knicks forward himself, as he disclosed that a re-injury during a full-contact session led to the decision to opt for surgery. Coach Tom Thibodeau acknowledged the setback but declined to share further details, stating that the team's focus should now be on winning games.

Randle's recovery had been a lengthy process, lasting over two months, with conflicting messages from Thibodeau about the extent of the setback. The decision for surgery ultimately became inevitable as Randle felt like he was back to square one after the re-injury.

On the other hand, Anunoby's injury situation has been equally confusing. Initially diagnosed as "elbow inflammation" and labeled as "day-to-day," the problem escalated to "bone spur irritation," resulting in elbow surgery. Despite briefly returning to the court, Anunoby aggravated the injury, leading to prolonged absence.

Thibodeau reassured fans that Anunoby's recovery is progressing, mentioning that the 26-year-old has resumed practicing. However, no concrete timeline was provided for Anunoby's return, and the team remains cautiously optimistic about his availability.

The Knicks' front office has been notably silent on injury updates, leaving Thibodeau as the spokesperson for all matters. This prolonged absence of executive communication has caused frustration among fans and media alike, who seek clarity on the team's injury situations.

As the Knicks strive to secure a spot in the playoffs, the absence of Randle and Anunoby presents a significant challenge. Both players play crucial roles for the team, and their absence will require other players to step up in their absence if the Knicks hope to continue their recent success.

The team will have to navigate through these injuries and make necessary adjustments to maintain their competitive edge. With the playoffs within reach, the Knicks will have to rely on the resilience and depth of their roster to overcome these setbacks and secure their position in the postseason.

The Knicks' next game against the Bulls will serve as a test of their ability to adapt without Randle and Anunoby. Fans will be anxiously waiting to see how the team responds and whether they can continue their push towards a playoff berth.

In the meantime, the focus for the Knicks remains on winning games and moving forward despite the injury challenges they are facing. Their determination and resilience will be put to the test as they navigate through this crucial stage of the season.