The New York Knicks are continuing preparations for the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, but Mitchell Robinson’s injury status remains one of the team’s biggest storylines ahead of Game 1 on Wednesday.
Robinson recently underwent surgery after suffering a fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his right hand. The veteran center plays an important role in New York’s frontcourt rotation, providing rebounding, rim protection, and physical defense behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
His availability has become even more significant with the Knicks preparing to face Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in New York’s first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. While head coach Mike Brown has not confirmed Robinson’s status, a sports injury expert offered an encouraging assessment regarding the center’s chances of returning.
Dr. David Chao Predicts Mitchell Robinson Could Play in NBA Finals Game 1
Sports injury analyst Dr. David J. Chao discussed Robinson’s injury and explained why surgery may allow the Knicks center to return sooner than some initially expected.
“So Mitchell Robinson, broken fifth finger. It’s technically not the fifth finger. It’s the fifth metacarpal bone, bone in his hand on the fifth finger,” Chao said.
Chao noted that Robinson’s procedure likely involved internal stabilization.
“He’s had surgery that undoubtedly is plates and screws. The surgery helps stabilize the bone,” Chao explained.
While Chao made it clear that Robinson will not be fully healed by the start of the Finals, he believes the surgery will improve his chances of playing.
“Will he be healed for the NBA Finals? No and no way. Will he have enough stability to play? Yes, because of the surgery, because of the plate and screws, because of potential buddy taping and protection, and because of the type of player he is.”
Chao also pointed to Robinson’s style of play as a key factor.
“He’s not a finesse ball handler, shooter, this, that, the other. He’s a defender rebounder,” Chao said. “And I think he will be there Game 1 for the NBA Finals and able to play.”
The Knicks have not announced a timetable for Robinson’s return, but Chao’s comments provide one of the strongest indications yet that a Game 1 appearance remains possible.
Mike Brown Says Knicks Medical Staff Will Determine Mitchell Robinson’s Next Step
GettyNew York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson
Brown provided another update following Monday’s practice, but stopped short of offering any prediction regarding Robinson’s availability.
When asked whether Robinson had been cleared for contact, Brown said the process remains in the hands of the team’s medical staff.
“I’m just waiting on the medical staff,” Brown said. “He just did individual work today. So I’m waiting on the medical staff to let me know what the next step is.”
The update followed Brown’s comments from Sunday, when he confirmed Robinson participated in limited on-court work.
“He did some individual stuff,” Brown said.
Brown has repeatedly emphasized that any return will depend entirely on medical clearance.
“I do know that the medical group has to tell me he can go out there for sure,” Brown said earlier this week.
A recent social media photo also showed Robinson wearing a splint on his right hand. Brown acknowledged the protection but said he was unsure of the specifics.
“I know there’s something there, but I can’t… I can’t tell you what,” Brown said. “I don’t know.”
Robinson averaged 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds during New York’s playoff run while serving as the team’s primary backup center. His rebounding and interior defense could be especially valuable against Wembanyama and a Spurs frontcourt that helped eliminate the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.
For now, the Knicks are waiting for final medical guidance. But with Game 1 approaching, both Brown’s update and Chao’s assessment suggest Robinson remains firmly in the conversation to suit up when the NBA Finals begin Wednesday night in San Antonio.
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