Knicks' Mitchell Robinson reportedly has NBA Finals plan after finger injury

New York Knicks fans were stunned to learn on Thursday that reserve big man Mitchell Robinson is dealing with a broken pinkie finger ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on June 3. 

It sounds like Knicks fans may be able to breathe sighs of relief over the weekend. 

Mitchell Robinson "plans" to do this after injury

"Robinson has undergone surgery on his broken right pinkie finger and plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace on his hand," ESPN's Shams Charania revealed on Friday morning. 

The Knicks have not yet disclosed when Robinson suffered the injury, but SNY NBA insider Ian Begley suggested that the setback is related to a moment that occurred in the second quarter of New York's win over the Cleveland Cavaliers this past Monday. The Knicks haven't played since they secured an Eastern Conference Finals sweep of the Cavs that evening. 

Robinson is on track to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but he is expected to remain with the Knicks regardless of what happens during the NBA Finals. The Knicks rely on Robinson largely for defense and rebounding whenever starter Karl-Anthony Towns needs a breather or is in foul trouble. 

Thus far, Robinson has averaged 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 14.2 minutes per game during the playoffs. Meanwhile, James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic noted that Ariel Hukporti, New York’s third-string center, logged just 498 minutes during the 2025-26 regular season.

Who will have the final say if Mitchell Robinson plays? 

"I know that Robinson will push to play," Begley reported on Thursday night. "Just in having conversations with people over the last couple of hours. He will want to play. It's ultimately up to the Knicks' medical staff. A player's opinion does matter in these things, and so he's going to want to be out there."

Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be at either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder this coming Wednesday. The Thunder will host the Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night.