The New York Knicks keep getting ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, but questions remain about the availability of one of their key frontcourt players.
The Knicks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center in a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, the last time New York made it there and the first one for a budding Spurs dynasty that would win five titles within 16 seasons.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, however, remains a major uncertainty after suffering a fracture in his pinky finger, breaking his fifth metacarpal, per the New York Post.
Following Sunday's practice, Knicks head coach Mike Brown was asked about Robinson's status, and he provided the most encouraging update since the report of the center's injury first emerged.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brown confirmed that Robinson had participated in limited activity during the session, saying, “He did some individual stuff.”
Despite that, Brown declined to reveal any meaningful update on Robinson’s potential availability for Game 1, leaving the door open for all scenarios, with the final decision depending on what the team doctors advise him.
“I did not even ask, and I try not to even look at him,” Brown said when asked about Robinson's availability for the start of the NBA Finals. “I do know that the medical group has to tell me he can go out there for sure.”
Robinson underwent surgery on the injured hand and, according to Brown, was wearing some form of protective equipment, though the coach didn't provide any details.
“I know there’s something there, but I can’t… I can’t tell you what,” Brown said. “I don’t know.”
Without Robinson, the Knicks would rely more heavily on Karl-Anthony Towns and their remaining depth at center—center Ariel Hukporti and power forward Jeremy Sochan—to deal with the Spurs' frontcourt.
New York is scheduled for another practice before traveling to Texas, with Game 1 scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
