Mitchell Robinson expected for Knicks’ Game 1 lineup
mitchell-robinson-expected-for-knicks-game-1-lineup
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson took part in the entire practice on Tuesday and is projected to be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday in San Antonio, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Robinson, 28, fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand shortly after the Knicks’ Eastern Conference finals victory over Cleveland. The injury did not occur during a game or practice, but required surgery last week. Comparable injuries often sideline players for at least two weeks, yet Robinson has pushed to return for the series opener.
Video from Tuesday’s workout showed the 7-footer shooting, passing and dribbling with a protective wrap on the injured hand. The Knicks listed him as questionable for Game 1, though Charania reported he is on track to be cleared later in the day.
Now in his sixth season with New York, Robinson averaged 19.6 minutes in the regular season after relinquishing his starting role. Despite the reduced workload, head coach Mike Brown continues to rely on his rebounding and rim protection off the bench—assets viewed as critical against Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
Through 13 postseason appearances, Robinson has produced 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per contest. Brown has managed his minutes carefully to limit opponents’ chances to exploit his free-throw struggles; the center is 13-for-43 (30.2%) at the line during the playoffs.
Source: Hoops Rumors
