New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is reportedly dealing with a fractured fifth metacarpal on his right hand.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Robinson underwent surgery to the correct the issue, and the hope is that he will be able to play in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs.
It was previously reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Friday that Robinson underwent a procedure to correct a broken right pinkie finger, and that he intended to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace.
Charania noted that while it is unclear exactly when Robinson got injured, he appeared to be favoring his hand during the third quarter of the Knicks’ Game 4 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals on Monday.
New York went on to win the game and complete the sweep, advancing to its first NBA Finals since 1999.
The 28-year-old Robinson primarily comes off the bench for the Knicks, but he is a key contributor as their top defensive big.
During the regular season, he started 16 of the 60 games he appeared in and averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest, while shooting 72.3 percent from the field.
Robinson has come off the bench in all 13 games he has played in during the Knicks’ playoff run, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest, and shooting a playoff-best 73.7 percent from the floor.
The seven-footer was first on the teams in blocks and second in rebounds during the regular season, and he is fourth on the team in both rebounding and blocks during the postseason.
If Robinson is at all limited during the NBA Finals and has to play fewer minutes, it could mean an even bigger role for star big man Karl-Anthony Towns.
It would also open the door for seven-footer Ariel Hukporti to see more action off the bench. Hukporti has played in eight playoff games, and he is averaging 2.1 points and 3.9 rebounds.
The Knicks’ opponent will be determined Saturday night when the Thunder and Spurs meet in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
The winner of that game will take on the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.
