Knicks Injuries: When Could Mitchell Robinson Return?

The New York Knicks have held their own without Mitchell Robinson, but his lingering issues from thumb surgery could delay his return.

Mitchell Robinson is used to rebounding. Is the New York Knicks' primary center nearing one of the medical variety?

While a report from SNY's Ian Begley dictates that Robinson (thumb) has inched closer toward his potential return, but that on-court homecoming won't come until after this weekend's NBA All-Star break. Lacking a clearance for contact appears to be what's holding Robinson back for now, though Begley said that Robinson was working alongside former NBAer and current assistant coach Othella Harrington prior to the Knicks'

"He’s making progress," Begley says. "(The) Knicks will send people with Robinson during the All-Star break if he doesn’t stay in NY during (the) break to continue rehab."

Robinson sustained the injury during the Knicks' Jan. 18 loss to Washington at Madison Square Garden and underwent surgery shortly after. Nearing a month away from the game surface, Robinson was originally set to be reassessed after three weeks. 

Watch Quentin Grimes and Mitchell Robinson do some things on defense.

Among the best defensive pairings in the league. pic.twitter.com/JL9s5JFZJ7

— DJ (@DJAceNBA) January 12, 2023

New York (32-27) has held its own with its starting center sidelined, going 7-6 in that span and adding. The loss of Robinson has also been partly offset by the emergence of Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein. Sims, set to partake in this Saturday's Slam Dunk Contest, has earned the starting nods in Robinson's place while Hartenstein has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in five of the last eight games in relief. 

The Knicks will play the final game of their pre-All-Star slate on Wednesday night, heading south to battle the Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. ET, MSG). 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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