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Adam Wells will be playing for the New York Knicks on December 30, 2021.
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Steven Ryan is a photographer.
The New York Knicks announced Thursday that Julius Randle will be out at least the next five days after being entered into the NBA's health and safety protocols.
The game against the Oklahoma City Thunder will be without him.
The updated league rules allow players who test positive for vaccine to return within six days of being entered into the protocol, as long as they are free of symptoms.
New York will be without him for the next three games. He could return for the Boston Celtics game in January.
According to James Herbert of CBS Sports, the Knicks already had four players out because of health and safety protocols.
The Knicks made the playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference because of the play of their best player, Julius Randle.
A first-time All-Star last season, Randle set career highs in scoring (24.1 per game), rebound (10.2), assists (6.0) and three-point percentage (41.1).
This season, he isn't playing up to that standard. In 35 starts, the 28-year-old is averaging 19.3 points, 10.0 rebound and 5.0 assists.
The Knicks are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing 18 wins.
New York's team has been strong on defense. The Knicks ranked first in points allowed per game and third in defensive rating last season, and made the playoffs for the first time in five years.
The defense is eighth in points allowed per game, but 17th in rating.
The Knicks have one reliably consistent scoring threat in Randle. His absence leaves a huge hole that will have to be filled. Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker, and RJBarrett will be the primary scoring options.
