Julius Randle led his Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, scoring 28 points and eight rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yet, it wasn’t enough, and the T-Wolves fell to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Breaking down the 2025-26 fantasy outlook for Julius Randle following his clutch playoff performances. With defenses keying in on Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle has stepped up for the Timberwolves this postseason.

When it happened the trade was considered a salary dump by Minnesota, but it turns out they may be better with Randle.

Did he know it then? In his first NBA game? When the rookie drove to the hoop and there was a “pop” sound, followed by his foot collapsing beneath him?

Timberwolves stars Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle crack up when looking at the box score after Game 1 loss to Thunder

Critics said the big men couldn’t coexist, but their pairing has been crucial to Minnesota’s playoff run, writes .

A reason behind this is Randle's inconsistency and peculiar disappearance in important games. Now, with the Minnesota Timberwolves and heading into the 2025 Western Conference Finals, former NBA champion Dwyane Wade believes Randle will shame his critics and do well for Minnesota.

Julius Randle’s leap from the Knicks to Timberwolves highlights how a change of scenery can bring out his best.