Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ backup center, has hurt his right pinky finger. His availability for the upcoming NBA Finals remains uncertain, as reported by James Edwards III and Fred Katz from The Athletic. We don’t know the specifics of how he got hurt or how serious the break is.
Injury expert Jeff Stotts tweeted about pinky fractures, noting that recovery time varies. For non-surgical cases, players typically miss about 3.5 games, or around nine days. However, if surgery is needed, that could extend the recovery to about 15.6 games or roughly 34 days.
This injury hits hard for the Knicks, especially since Robinson has played an important role in their playoff journey. Known for his rim protection and offensive rebounding—he averaged 4.2 offensive boards per game—he was essential in their December victory against the Spurs in the NBA Cup Finals.
Robinson’s injury history is well-known, but this season he managed to play in 60 games, his most since the 2019-20 season. However, during this postseason, his minutes were reduced in the last round when teams used a strategy to exploit his poor free-throw shooting—he shot just 40.8% from the line.
As the Knicks prepare to face either the Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, or the Thunder with Chet Holmgren, they need all the size and strength they can muster in the frontcourt. Robinson’s absence could significantly impact their chances.
With the playoffs heating up, fans are expressing their concern for Robinson on social media, highlighting his critical role in the team’s success. His performance and health will be key factors as the Knicks aim for the championship.
For more on player injuries and recovery timelines, you can check out sources like ESPN for the latest updates.
