Overview
- Robinson fractured the fifth metacarpal in his right hand and underwent surgery last week, with multiple reports saying the procedure involved internal stabilization.
- He has been doing limited individual work at Knicks practices while wearing a splint or brace, but coach Mike Brown says the medical staff must clear him before any contact or Game 1 participation.
- A sports-medicine analyst, Dr. David J. Chao, said surgical fixation with plates and screws can stabilize the bone enough to permit play even though the hand will not be fully healed.
- If Robinson is limited or unavailable, New York expects to shift minutes to Karl-Anthony Towns and increase use of Ariel Hukporti, which would change the Knicks’ rebounding and interior-defense plan against San Antonio.
- Robinson has publicly thanked supporters and posted a blunt message to critics while his prior history of right-hand surgeries and the compressed Finals timeline raise durability concerns.