Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson Set To Return, Strengthening Their Defense For Playoff Push

Before the New York Knicks‘ Sunday game against the Boston Celtics, ESPN insider Shams Charania shared an encouraging update on Mitchell Robinson’s long-awaited season debut.

“I’m here to report that Mitchell Robinson is closing on his season debut,” Charania said on ESPN’s NBA Countdown. “His goal is to make his return to the lineup at some point over the next week. He’s had multiple full scrimmages over the last several days, and he’s going to have another session scheduled for early in the week. And then the Knicks, Robinson will make a determination on when that target date could be.

“This is someone that was a starting center for the Knicks last season. He’s expected to be an anchor for the Knicks’ defense alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, potentially finishing games together for the Knicks.”

According to Charania, Robinson has participated in “multiple full scrimmages over the last week,” a positive sign as he rehabs from the ankle injury that cut his last season short. He sustained a stress fracture in his left ankle during the Knicks’ first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

His return will give New York a reliable presence in the paint, helping to shore up a frontcourt that has struggled defensively – one of the few downsides to the Towns addition.

The Knicks, known for their defensive toughness, faced uncharacteristic struggles before the All-Star break – ranking 18th in defensive rating, last in blocks per game, 25th in defensive rebounds, and 20th in points allowed in the paint.

Through 31 games last season, Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. Over his career, he’s posted 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks.

His season debut could come on Wednesday at home against the 76ers or on Friday in the Knicks’ road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. Even without him, New York (37-20) is sitting comfortably at the third seed in the Eastern Conference.