Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson Suffers Ankle Injury

Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson was sidelined for a minimum of 6-8 weeks due to an ankle injury during the NBA Playoffs. The New York Knicks are currently ahead 1-0 in their second-round series against the Indiana Pacers, but they will have fewer players available for the rest of the playoffs.

New York revealed on Tuesday that center Mitchell Robinson will undergo evaluation for six to eight weeks due to a “stress injury to his left ankle.”

Brian Windhorst from ESPN previously stated that the Knicks decided to not play him in the second game on Wednesday due to managing a left ankle injury. Mitchell Robinson also sat out a game in New York’s first-round victory against the Philadelphia 76ers for the same reason, following his absence in 50 regular-season games due to an ankle injury that needed surgery.

Unfortunately, I think the Mitchell Robinson injury answered the question to what center remains a Knick next season. pic.twitter.com/KERFlwonoT

— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) May 8, 2024

The team hoped to use the 26-year-old player frequently in the frontcourt rotation following his impressive stats of 7.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in 2022-23.
Yet, his performance was hindered by the injury, causing a decline in his statistics. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, and only scored over two points in one out of his six playoff games.

However, the Knicks team is troubled by Robinson’s absence as they were already playing with a limited bench.

Mitchell Robinson was the top scorer off the bench for New York Knicks in their victory against Indiana in Game 1, contributing a total of two points. The Pacers’ second-string players scored 46 points compared to the Knicks’ reserves’ 3 points, but the home team’s starting lineup performed well enough to secure the win.
With Mitchell Robinson now sidelined alongside Julius Randle and Bojan Bogdanović due to injury, expect Precious Achiuwa to receive increased minutes on the court. He has played in three postseason matches without surpassing four points.

Mitchell Robinson’s injury will probably lead Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau to depend even more on his starting lineup. Isaiah Hartenstein will lead the frontcourt, while Jalen Brunson will continue to be the primary choice in the backcourt.
Robinson is a significant backup player, however, New York has not relied on their reserves to make a significant impact in the playoffs.