Mitchell Robinson: Questionable for NBA Finals Game 1

Uncertainty surrounds Mitchell Robinson ahead of the NBA Finals tip-off. The Knicks’ backup center is officially listed as questionable for Game 1, scheduled for Wednesday night at 2:30 AM at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. A fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his right hand — the bone connecting the pinky to the wrist — which was operated on shortly after, has left his team uncertain on the eve of their first Finals appearance since 1999.

Mitchell Robinson practices in San Antonio pic.twitter.com/HH1olqVMjt

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 2, 2026

Individual Practice, But No Contact Work

On Tuesday, during the press conference, Robinson arrived at the Frost Bank Center with no visible splint on his right hand, before putting on a black protective bandage when he took the court. He performed dribbling, shooting, and passing drills, appearing relatively comfortable despite his injured hand. He even knocked down a few 3-pointers during one drill, drawing celebrations from the staff. However, he has not yet participated in contact sessions with the rest of the group and left the arena with his hand wrapped in ice.

Mitchell Robinson has undergone surgery on his broken right pinky finger — and fully plans to play in the New York Knicks’ Game 1 of the NBA Finals against OKC or San Antonio next Wednesday while wearing a brace on his hand, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/IkABI9rMsk

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 29, 2026

Coach Mike Brown remained cautious with reporters: « I’m just waiting for updates from the medical staff. He just had an individual workout, so I’m waiting for the medical staff to let me know what the next step will be. » He also noted that he didn’t yet know how Robinson would officially be listed on the injury report. According to ESPN and Shams Charania, Robinson is nonetheless « resolute » about playing in Game 1, with a brace described as « pretty sizable. » The exact circumstances of the injury remain unclear: it occurred at the player’s home, outside of any game or practice.

Robinson was not available to speak with the media, but posted a message on Instagram on Saturday: « I can’t thank you enough for the love and support you’ve shown me, especially at this point in my life. It makes everything I’m fighting through 100 times easier to handle. »

Shams: « I’m told Mitchell Robinson fully plans––is resolute––on playing Game 1…Knicks still must clear him

« We see today no brace [but] he’s going to need a pretty sizable brace to play

« How did this happen? Details murky

« What I do know is he hurt himself at his own home » pic.twitter.com/DAo1d2QWE9

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 2, 2026

A Key Role Against Wemby

The stakes of his availability go far beyond a simple backup’s status. During the regular season, Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes per game, with a remarkable field goal percentage of 72.3%. In the playoffs, he appeared in 13 of the Knicks’ 14 games, contributing 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes. In the decisive Game 4 against Cleveland, he finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds in 18 minutes, posting a +14 differential.

More looks at Mitchell Robinson practicing pic.twitter.com/cVXBAwEZbW

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 2, 2026

Against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs‘ frontcourt, his physical presence — 7’0″, 275 lbs — will be valuable, particularly for securing the paint alongside Towns, who is not known for his defensive abilities. During the NBA Cup Final in December, Robinson dominated with 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive, in 18 minutes against San Antonio. Mike Brown emphasized the importance of his mindset, regardless of his playing time: « No matter what, he’s always locked in. Every single time. »

The Knicks, chasing their first title since 1973, will know within the next few hours whether their big man can take part in the most important game of the season.