Mitchell Robinson’s Hand Injury and Its Role in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals

The New York Knicks listed backup center Mitchell Robinson as “questionable” for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. He suffered a fractured fifth metacarpal in his right hand during the off-week, underwent surgery on Friday, and participated in Tuesday’s open practice. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks expect him to suit up, though final clearance remained pending at tip-off.

Report: Knicks' Robinson available for Game 1 of FinalsESPNESPNNew York PostHeavyKnicks' Robinson reportedly will play in Game 1 of NBA FinalsHeavy

Robinson’s injury occurred at his home, not during a game or team practice, according to multiple reports. After the fracture was diagnosed, he had surgery on the fifth metacarpal (the bone beneath the pinky). He returned to light shooting and dribbling drills on Tuesday, wearing a thin wrap and a sizable protective brace. The Knicks’ medical staff were still reviewing his status on Wednesday morning.

New York Daily News

In the postseason, Robinson has appeared in 13 of 14 Knicks games, averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 14.2 minutes. His offensive rebound rate sits at 18.3 percent—among the league’s best—and he pulls down roughly 2.5 offensive boards per game. He recorded 15 rebounds in 18 minutes during the December NBA Cup final win over San Antonio.

Report: Knicks C Mitchell Robinson expected to be available for Game 1

The Knicks’ injury report listed Robinson as a game-time decision. Coach Mike Brown said he had “individual work” on Monday and was awaiting input from the medical team before confirming his role. SNY insider Ian Begley noted that Robinson “looked solid” in practice and was present for the team walk-through. ESPN’s Shams Charania added that Robinson “is expected to be available” after fully participating in Tuesday’s session.

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• “Center Mitchell Robinson looked solid in yesterday’s practice with the Knicks and he was with the team during its walk-thru earlier today, per SNY sources, so he remains on track to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight,” — Ian Begley, SNY

Newsweek

• “Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson is expected to be available for New York in Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight against the San Antonio Spurs after fully participating in practice Tuesday following right hand surgery, per ESPN sources,” — Shams Charania, ESPN

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• “I'm about to talk to our medical people to see what he can do [Tuesday].” — Mike Brown, Knicks head coach

ESPN

• “I’m always ready. When you’re in the third unit, you never know. People have foul trouble, stuff happens on the court.” — Ariel Hukporti, Knicks forward

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• “He was catching the ball, he was shooting, he was catching rebounds, and passing. He has no limitations at all,” — Tim Bontemps, ESPN

Mitchell Robinson may have channeled Amar'e Stoudemire in worst possible way

Robinson’s career free-throw percentage this postseason is 30.2 percent, raising the possibility of “Hack-a-Mitch” tactics. His limited minutes (?14 per game) and the hand-brace may reduce rebounding efficiency. If he is ineffective, the Knicks would rely on third-string center Ariel Hukporti, who has logged only 9.2 minutes per game this season.

FanSided

During Tuesday’s open practice, Robinson wore a thin black wrap on his right hand, completed light shooting drills, and handled the ball without visible discomfort. He avoided full-force dunks, opting for soft layups, and participated in the pre-game walkthrough.

ESPN

While Shams Charania and Ian Begley indicated Robinson will play, the official injury report still listed him as questionable, and Brown refrained from confirming his status until after medical review. The exact mechanism of the fracture remains “murky,” with no team comment beyond “not during a game or practice.”

Mitchell Robinson expected to be available for Game 1

Robinson provides size and physicality against Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who averages 23.2 points and 10.8 rebounds in the playoffs. His presence allows Karl-Anthony Towns to avoid prolonged foul trouble and helps preserve interior rebounding. Without Robinson, the Knicks would lose a primary rim protector and offensive-board specialist, forcing Towns into a heavier defensive load.

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The Knicks are likely to activate Robinson with a protective brace, using him in limited bursts to contest Wembanyama and secure offensive rebounds. His availability could be a decisive factor in the opening game and the broader series strategy.

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