Knicks get huge Mitchell Robinson injury update before NBA Finals
· Yahoo Sports
The New York Knicks were hit with a major injury concern before the NBA Finals and it involves center Mitchell Robinson.
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On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Robinson suffered a broken right pinky finger and that there was no timetable for his return.
However, in what is great news for New York, Charania is reporting on Friday that Robinson has undergone surgery but is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
“Mitchell Robinson has undergone surgery on his broken right pinky finger — and fully plans to play in the New York Knicks’ Game 1 of the NBA Finals against OKC or San Antonio next Wednesday while wearing a brace on his hand, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported.
It remains unclear exactly how Robinson suffered the injury.
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Because the Knicks were able to take care of business quickly against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Robinson will have nearly a week to recover and get ready.
That’s because Game 1 of the NBA Finals won’t take place until Wednesday, June 3.
The Knicks are still waiting to see who their opponent will be.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are locked in a competitive Western Conference final and are knotted at 3-3.
Game 7 of Spurs versus Thunder will take place on Saturday night, with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET.
Why Mitchell Robinson is crucial for Knicks
Jan 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) dribbles defended by New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesRobinson is a force in the paint for New York, as he’s the team’s best defender and rebounder.
Robinson is even more important when you consider who the Knicks’ NBA Finals opponent will be.
The Spurs have a superstar big man in Victor Wembanyama, who is capable of taking games over.
The Thunder have a talented front court with Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein and no shortage of players who can drive to the hoop.
Big-man depth would also be an issue if Robinson was sidelined.
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Karl-Anthony Towns is a dynamic offensive player, but he leaves a lot to be desired on defense and foul trouble is always a concern.
New York’s other big man, Ariel Hukporti, has played sparingly this season.
“Mitch is unique, so no matter who we play, Mitch is extremely important to what we’re trying to do, the way he offensive rebounds, the way he’s a vertical threat in the pick-and-roll game, the way he protects the rim, his versatility guarding,” head coach Mike Brown said of Robinson.
Thankfully, the Knicks won’t have to live without Robinson in the NBA Finals, although it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be hampered at all by the injury.