May 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; 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
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson practiced on Tuesday with a thin wrap around his surgically repaired right hand.
Looking comfortable while handling the ball, the big man appears to be in good shape to suit up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night in San Antonio against the Spurs, which was further confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Mitchell Robinson still fully plans, is resolute in playing Game 1 on Wednesday night against the Spurs,” Charania said, adding that he would need to wear a sizable brace. “The Knicks still must clear him for that game.”
It is still unknown how Robinson sustained the injury to his right pinkie. All that is known is that he did so during the Knicks’ off week after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers to clinch their first NBA Finals berth since 1999, and it did not stem from basketball activities. He quickly underwent surgery last week to repair it in hopes of getting back for the start of the championship round.
The 28-year-old was not made available to speak during the NBA Finals media day ahead of Knicks practice on Tuesday.
His presence in the New York lineup is paramount in potentially stopping Spurs superstar big man Victor Wembanyama. Robinson is one of the more imposing figures under the basket on both ends of the floor, and he has had success against San Antonio in the past.
Had he played in enough games to qualify for NBA records, his 24% offensive rebound rate this year would have been the best in league history. During these playoffs, he is averaging a gaudy 2.5 offensive rebounds in just 14 minutes per game, and famously hauled down 10 offensive boards in the NBA Cup championship game against the Spurs back in December.
His availability would allow the Knicks to blend their defensive looks against Wembanyama alongside defensive extraordinnaire OG Anunoby, who is nine inches shorter but a stalwart nonetheless. Having Robinson in any capacity would ensure that the 7-foot-4 Frenchman would see some time opposite a big man. It would also allow Mike Brown to preserve the foul-prone Karl-Anthony Towns, who would understandably have a target on his back should he be called into the defensive equation against Wembanyama.
While Towns, Josh Hart, and even Anunoby are crashing the glass on the opposite side of the floor, not having Robinson would make the prospect of second-half points far less likely for the Knicks. The Spurs led the league in defensive rebounding rate this year, but can be exposed if the opposition is physical enough and can wear Wemby down. That is where Robinson is so vital.
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