New York Knicks fans were left stunned after learning reserve big man Mitchell Robinson is dealing with a broken pinkie finger ahead of the NBA Finals.
Robinson underwent surgery on his broken right pinkie finger and is planning to suit up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 3.
ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed on Friday morning that Robinson “plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace on his hand.”
The Knicks have not yet disclosed when Robinson actually suffered the injury, leaving supporters in the dark over the timeline of events.
SNY NBA insider Ian Begley suggested the setback is related to a moment that occurred in the second quarter of New York’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Monday.
The Knicks haven’t played since securing an Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Cavaliers that same evening, giving Robinson some time to recover.
“I know that Robinson will push to play,” Begley reported on Thursday night, adding that the final decision rests with the Knicks’ medical staff.
“He will want to play. It’s ultimately up to the Knicks’ medical staff. A player’s opinion does matter in these things, and so he’s going to want to be out there,” Begley continued.
Robinson is on track to become an unrestricted free agent this summer but is expected to remain with the Knicks regardless of what unfolds during the Finals.
The Knicks rely on Robinson primarily for defense and rebounding whenever starter Karl-Anthony Towns needs a breather or finds himself in foul trouble.
Thus far in the playoffs, Robinson has averaged 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 14.2 minutes per game across his appearances for New York.
James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic noted that third-string center Ariel Hukporti logged just 498 minutes during the 2025-26 regular season, highlighting the importance of Robinson’s availability.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be played at either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder hosting the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night.
