Robinson uncertain – Mitchell Robinson worked out with his hand protected at Knicks practice on Sunday, May 31, but coach Mike Brown said the center is uncertain for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 3. The decision is expected to come from the team’s medical staff, with
Mitchell Robinson did individual work at Knicks practice on Sunday, May 31, his hand protected by a brace. He looked like he was preparing to move fast—only to run into a familiar reality of elite sports: the final call doesn’t belong to willpower.
Coach Mike Brown said Robinson is uncertain for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 3, and that the decision ultimately sits with the medical staff. Brown told reporters after practice that Robinson has to be cleared first.
Robinson, 28, broke his right pinky finger during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland and had surgery to repair it. He plans to play against the San Antonio Spurs with a brace protecting the injured finger.
SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Robinson is pushing to play in Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3.
The Knicks have asked Robinson for more than once. Over eight seasons in New York. the longest-tenured Knick has battled through a broken right hand. a broken right thumb. a broken right foot. and multiple surgeries tied to a stress fracture in his left ankle. This season. he had finally gotten healthy enough to make a bigger impact. playing 60 games—his most since 2021-22—and emerging as one of New York’s most important role players throughout the playoff run.
That payoff showed in the numbers. During the regular season, Robinson led the team in blocks and was second in rebounding. His presence has a clear effect on the glass: New York’s offensive rebounding percentage jumps nearly 10 points with him on the court. In the playoffs. he has shot 73.7% from the floor across 13 games off the bench. and he is fourth on the team in both blocks and rebounds.
The sequence coming down to the next two days is straightforward: Robinson’s brace work indicates he’s aiming to play. but Brown’s comments make it clear the medical clearance is the gate. If that clearance doesn’t arrive in time. it changes more than one spot in New York’s lineup—it shifts the weight onto the players around him.
If Robinson can’t play on Wednesday, that creates a heavier burden for Karl-Anthony Towns and likely forces seven-footer Ariel Hukporti into more playing time.
The Knicks’ Finals opener against the San Antonio Spurs is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, and with Robinson’s status still unresolved, the central question in New York right now isn’t whether he can try—it’s whether the medical staff will allow it.
New York Knicks Mitchell Robinson injury NBA Finals Game 1 Mike Brown medical clearance San Antonio Spurs Karl-Anthony Towns Ariel Hukporti
So he’s probably playing right? Brace means yes.
Kinda weird they say uncertain then say he worked out. Like what are we even waiting on, the universe? If he can move fast at practice he should be good lol.
I mean it’s a pinky finger… Knicks fans acting like it’s his whole hand. Reminds me of when everyone said Towns would be fine and then nope. If he’s out, Hukporti is gonna get eaten on defense.
Medical staff decision yeah but also coaches always say “uncertain” for drama. Like Brown doesn’t want to jinx it or whatever. Also he broke his right pinky, but the article mentions right thumb and foot like they’re all related? I’m confused. If he can’t play, I guess Towns just magically rebounds more? Sure.