Mitchell Robinson’s Broken Pinky Looms Over the Knicks’ NBA Finals Debut

Center Mitchell Robinson fractured the fifth metacarpal of his right hand—commonly referred to as a broken pinky—during the Knicks’ off-week after the Eastern Conference Finals. The injury occurred at his home, not in a game or practice, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. Robinson underwent surgery on the fracture within days of the Eastern Conference sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He returned to the Frost Bank Center for individual work on Tuesday, wearing a protective sleeve, and was listed as “questionable” on the NBA’s official injury report for Game 1 of the Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.

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The New York Knicks entered the 2026 NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, riding an 11-game winning streak that included sweeps of the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. With veteran big man Karl-Anthony Towns on the floor, Robinson provides the Knicks’ primary interior depth and a physical presence against the Spurs’ frontcourt, especially the 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama.

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In the 2026 postseason Robinson has averaged 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game across 13-14 playoff contests, shooting 73.7 % from the field and 30 % from the free-throw line. His offensive rebound percentage stands at 18.3 %, the highest among New York’s frontcourt players. During the regular season he posted 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes per game while converting 72.3 % of his shots.

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Robinson’s size (7 ft, 275 lb) and rim-protecting instincts are central to the Knicks’ strategy for limiting Wembanyama’s interior scoring and rebounding. If cleared, he can relieve foul trouble for Towns and allow the team to maintain its defensive rotations. Should he be unavailable, New York would lean more heavily on Towns, rookie seven-footer Ariel Hukporti, and forward Jeremy Sochan, reducing depth and potentially affecting match-ups against the Spurs’ big men.

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Head coach Mike Brown repeatedly emphasized that Robinson’s return depends on medical clearance: “I’m just waiting on the medical staff,” and “He just did individual work today. So I’m waiting on the medical staff to let me know what the next step is.” The Knicks listed Robinson as “questionable” with the designation “Right Hand; Fractured Right 5th Metacarpal.” Charania reported that Robinson remains “resolute” about playing and will need “a pretty sizable brace” if cleared. Sports physician Dr. Jesse Morse posted that Robinson “should be good to go despite fracturing his 5th finger last week and undergoing surgery.”

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The Knicks have declined to disclose how the injury occurred, prompting media speculation and fan frustration. Critics note the lack of transparency, arguing that the mystery surrounding the incident fuels unnecessary rumors during a championship series.

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Visuals from Tuesday’s practice show Robinson without a splint, yet Charania insists a sizable brace will be required for game action. The official injury report lists him as questionable but does not confirm clearance. Details of the incident remain “murky,” and the exact timeline of medical clearance is still pending.

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• “I’m told that Mitchell Robinson still fully plans, is resolute on playing in Game 1 Wednesday night against the Spurs,” — Shams Charania, ESPN

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• “I’m just waiting on the medical staff,” — Mike Brown, New York Knicks head coach

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• “He just did individual work today. So I’m waiting on the medical staff to let me know what the next step is.” — Mike Brown

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• “Mitchell Robinson did not sustain his broken pinky in a game or in practice,” — Mike Brown

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• “He’s going to need to wear a brace, I’m told, pretty sizable one, in order to be able to play.” — Shams Charania

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• “Mitchell Robinson should be good to go despite fracturing his 5th finger last week and undergoing surgery,” — Dr. Jesse Morse, sports physician

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The Knicks will receive final medical clearance before tip-off on Wednesday. If cleared, Robinson is expected to suit up wearing a protective brace; if not, the team will adjust its frontcourt rotation for the remainder of the series. Subsequent games will reveal how his presence—or absence—shapes the Knicks’ bid for their first championship since 1973.

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