The New York Knicks are finally getting some positive injury news for a change.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has been out of action since early December after undergoing surgery to repair his injured ankle. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski initially reported Wednesday that Robinson was questionable for the team’s contest against the Toronto Raptors.
About an hour later, Woj turned that “questionable” tag into an “active” one, much to the delight of Knicks fans everywhere.
Mitchell Robinson is expected to be active and available to play for the Knicks tonight, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/268caiNp9p
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 27, 2024
The New York Knicks Are Getting Mitchell Robinson Back From The Injury List
Robinson has not suited up since injuring his ankle during a December 8 contest against the Boston Celtics. There were reportedly very real fears that the 7-footer would be out for the rest of the season.
Robinson has missed the Knicks’ last 50 games — a missed games streak that appears to be coming to an end on Wednesday barring any setbacks.
The Western Kentucky alum was having a relatively down season offensively before going down with injury. In 21 games played this season, Robinson averaged 6.2 points on 59.2% shooting from the field and 36.8% from the free throw line. All marks would be career lows for the 6-year pro. But his true value is at the defensive end of the floor, where he’s been known to provide solid rim protection.
Robinson will likely reclaim his starting center spot soon enough, if not immediately against the Raptors. He’s served as the Knicks’ primary starter when healthy over the last four seasons.
Could The New York Knicks’ Injury Luck Start Trending The Other Direction?
Robinson’s return will certainly be a welcome addition to the team’s rotation. But he’s also far from the biggest piece still working their way back from injury.
Knicks All-Star Julius Randle has been out with a concerning shoulder injury he sustained in late January. While he’s been practicing by himself of late, there’s reportedly real concern that Randle could not return at all this season.
The Knicks have also been without trade deadline addition OG Anunoby for long stretches since acquiring him from the Toronto Raptors. Anunoby has been dealing with a lingering elbow injury, which he had tried to come back from last week. However, after playing in just three games, Anunoby was back on the sidelines.
The Knicks are on track to get Robinson back, but there’s still a ways to go before the team has a clean bill of health.
