Why Julius Randle Will Exude Emotions vs. Knicks

Following the Dec. 19 matchup between the Knicks and the Timberwolves, Randle played the role of a coy former member of the blue and orange. Instead of revealing his genuine emotions for the team for which he spent most of his NBA career, Randle played it coy. He stated it was "just another game" with a deadpan glare. 

However, that was in the Target Center, whereas Friday's matchup is under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. Also, the Knicks won 133-107, which didn't give Randle much fuel to speak his mind. 

Randle will see familiar faces regarding his former teammates and people in the building, whether it's security guards, the workers at the door, PR workers, or anyone else. 

Emotions will rise, whether Randle wants them to or not. While Randle's time ended in the blink of an eye, during an odd time, as Leon Rose shipped him days before training camp, Randle brought breath back into an irrelevant franchise, which will evoke passion from the Knicks' fan base.

In a contract year, with the Timberwolves underperforming in light of their 21-19 record, Randle will make a statement, whether verbal or on the court.