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The New York Knicks are just one win away from opening the NBA Finals, however, Mitchell Robinson’s status has suddenly become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the series. What was initially reported as a finger injury has turned out to be something far more significant, leaving the Knicks waiting on medical clearance for one of its most important frontcourt pieces.
Robinson has already undergone surgery and remains questionable for Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama waiting on the other side, every update matters. The latest one came from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who offered a much clearer picture of exactly what the Knicks center is dealing with.
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) reacts to missing a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Speaking on “ESPN’s Get Up”, Windhorst pushed back on the early description of Robinson’s injury, explaining that the damage extends beyond a simple pinky issue.
That clarification changes the conversation around Robinson’s availability. A fractured fifth metacarpal is a hand injury and not just a finger injury, which presents obvious challenges for a player whose game relies heavily on rebounding, catching passes in traffic and finishing around the rim. The mystery surrounding how it happened has not gone away either. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the injury occurred at Robinson’s home during the Knicks break following its Eastern Conference Finals sweep. Head coach Mike Brown has repeatedly stated the injury did not happen during a game or team practice.
Even with surgery now behind him, Robinson appears determined to suit up.
That desire to play is understandable given Robinson’s importance to the Knicks’ playoff run. While his scoring numbers do not jump off the page, the veteran center has become a crucial part of the Knicks’ rotation. His rebounding, rim protection and physical presence have helped fuel the team’s 11-game playoff winning streak entering the Finals.
The challenge is obvious. Robinson is bound to wear a large brace on his right hand if he can participate in the game. It’s one thing to protect the hand, and it’s another thing to work with it. The large brace can hamper every aspect of basketball activity from battling opponents in contested rebounds to receiving lob passes and maneuvering the ball. These considerations become even more critical when facing the Spurs frontcourt anchored by Wembanyama who causes trouble for every team that comes across him.
It’s no wonder that Tuesday’s practice received so much attention because Robinson was spotted taking part in parts of the practice with a bandage around his hand although it has not been confirmed whether he took part in the full practice. For now, New York is keeping fingers crossed Robinson wants to play. The Knicks would clearly love to have him available. However, the final call rests with the team’s medical staff, with Game 1 approaching, one hand injury could end up carrying major Finals implications.
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Robinson has already undergone surgery and remains questionable for Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama waiting on the other side, every update matters. The latest one came from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, who offered a much clearer picture of exactly what the Knicks center is dealing with.
Brian Windhorst Clarifies Mitchell Robinson’s Hand Injury Ahead Of NBA Finals
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New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) reacts to missing a free throw against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of game one of the eastern conference finals during the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Speaking on “ESPN’s Get Up”, Windhorst pushed back on the early description of Robinson’s injury, explaining that the damage extends beyond a simple pinky issue.
That clarification changes the conversation around Robinson’s availability. A fractured fifth metacarpal is a hand injury and not just a finger injury, which presents obvious challenges for a player whose game relies heavily on rebounding, catching passes in traffic and finishing around the rim. The mystery surrounding how it happened has not gone away either. According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the injury occurred at Robinson’s home during the Knicks break following its Eastern Conference Finals sweep. Head coach Mike Brown has repeatedly stated the injury did not happen during a game or team practice.
Even with surgery now behind him, Robinson appears determined to suit up.
That desire to play is understandable given Robinson’s importance to the Knicks’ playoff run. While his scoring numbers do not jump off the page, the veteran center has become a crucial part of the Knicks’ rotation. His rebounding, rim protection and physical presence have helped fuel the team’s 11-game playoff winning streak entering the Finals.
The challenge is obvious. Robinson is bound to wear a large brace on his right hand if he can participate in the game. It’s one thing to protect the hand, and it’s another thing to work with it. The large brace can hamper every aspect of basketball activity from battling opponents in contested rebounds to receiving lob passes and maneuvering the ball. These considerations become even more critical when facing the Spurs frontcourt anchored by Wembanyama who causes trouble for every team that comes across him.
It’s no wonder that Tuesday’s practice received so much attention because Robinson was spotted taking part in parts of the practice with a bandage around his hand although it has not been confirmed whether he took part in the full practice. For now, New York is keeping fingers crossed Robinson wants to play. The Knicks would clearly love to have him available. However, the final call rests with the team’s medical staff, with Game 1 approaching, one hand injury could end up carrying major Finals implications.
Continue reading...
