When Is Mitchell Robinson Coming Back for the New York Knicks?
By Peter Dewey
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson signed a four-year extension with the team this offseason, and he is expected to be the team's defensive anchor for years to come.
However, the Knicks will have to get used to life without Robinson over the next week or two, as the big man suffered a sprained knee against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, Nov. 4. Robinson's injury led to Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims getting the nod at center for the Knicks.
Sims started the team's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, and it's possible Tom Thibodeau uses both players in the starting lineup until Robinson returns.
Here's the latest update on the Knicks big man, and when he could potentially return:
Latest Injury Update for Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks have ruled Robinson out for seven to 10 days, putting his earliest return date at Nov. 12, which may be a lofty goal for the big man.
Mitchell Robinson (sprained right knee) is out for tonight’s game and will be re-evaluated in 7-10 days. pic.twitter.com/OpJLhZOWsf
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) November 5, 2022
Robinson is having a solid season for the Knicks, averaging 6.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 69.7 percent from the field.
For a Knicks team that is now favored to make the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, having Robinson in the lineup would be a huge boost early in the season.
Based on New York's schedule, a West Coast trip in late November could make it tricky for Robinson to return. It's possible the team would hold him out until it returns home on Nov. 25 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Mitchell Robinson Injury History
Robinson has dealt with injuries before, with the biggest one being a broken foot in the 2020-21 season. He's also had a variety of small ankle injuries that have held him out of games.
The Knicks may have found something special though with Robinson sidelined, as it's opened up more minutes for youngster Obi Toppin.
The former No. 8 overall pick has thrived when playing alongside Julius Randle in a smaller lineup, and it helped the Knicks complete a comeback win against the Sixers when Robinson was injured.
Knicks outscored the Sixers by 14 points (29-15) with Obi and Randle on the floor together tonight.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) November 5, 2022
Who would’ve thunk that’s a combo worth experimenting with??
It took an injury to Mitchell Robinson for us this get a look.
But does this qualify as a “meaningful game”?? Lol pic.twitter.com/okxLchJGSW
It will be interesting to see how New York proceeds with its rotation until Robinson is able to return to his normal role.
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