Knicks’ Robinson Suffers Broken Finger Ahead of 2026 NBA Finals

New York Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson has been diagnosed with a broken right pinky finger, leaving the team without a clear timeline for his return ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. The diagnosis, reported by The Athletic, comes as the Knicks prepare to face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, raising immediate concerns about the team’s interior depth. Robinson has not played since the injury occurred, and it remains unclear whether he will be available for Wednesday’s opener.

The injury represents a significant disruption for a Knicks side that has dominated the postseason. New York has won 11 consecutive games, having overcome a 2-1 deficit against the Atlanta Hawks before sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Robinson, the longest-tenured Knick, has been a crucial rotational piece, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes during the playoffs. His absence threatens to undermine the team’s ability to control the glass, a key factor in their success.

Statistical data highlights the magnitude of Robinson’s impact on the court. When Robinson is on the floor, the Knicks’ offensive rebounding rate stands at 39.4 per cent; this figure drops to 28.6 per cent when he sits, excluding garbage time. Robinson is also a frequent target for the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy due to his poor free-throw shooting, which sits at 30.2 per cent in the current postseason. While this often results in empty possessions, it frequently puts the Knicks in the bonus, creating additional scoring opportunities.

Robinson’s injury history has been extensive, including surgeries for broken hands, feet, and thumbs, as well as stress fractures. However, he had largely remained healthy this season, appearing in 60 games and averaging 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 19.6 minutes. The Knicks had managed his workload to ensure his availability for the playoffs, but the new injury complicates their plans for a series that will require significant physicality against elite Western Conference defences.

With Robinson sidelined, the Knicks are forced to look elsewhere for interior support. Backup centre Ariel Hukporti, who has appeared in only 79 career games and played just 70 minutes in the playoffs, is the only other true big man on the roster. Alternatively, the team may extend Karl-Anthony Towns’ minutes or utilise a smaller lineup featuring Josh Hart and OG Anunoby. Regardless of the adjustment, the loss of Robinson’s size and strength will be a notable challenge against opponents like the Thunder or Spurs, both of whom play a physical brand of basketball.