Knicks Get Good Mitchell Robinson News - Ready For Friday?

The New York Knicks could have their primary center back in time for the upcoming stretch run.

The New York Knicks have come back from the NBA All-Star break with a favorable update to the sitch on Mitch.

According to Peter Botte of the New York Post, primary center Mitchell Robinson returned to full-contact practice affairs on Wednesday, two days before the Knicks tip off a 22-game stretch to end the regular season on Friday night in Washington (7 p.m. ET, MSG). Robinson has not played since Jan. 18 due to a thumb injury that required surgery. 

It's not clear if two days of work before the Knicks (33-27) resume play are enough to immediately thrust Robinson back into the lineup. But head coach Tom Thibodeau was nonetheless pleased that Robinson could partake in full-go activities at the team's practice facility in Tarrytown.

"It’s great to have him back. He’s an important part of the team," Thibodeau said per Botte, pleased that his rotation is nearing completion as the team tries to lock up a playoff spot. “He was cleared for contact. It’s his first day back, so we’ll see how he feels. But he’s got to go step by step."

Thibodeau acknowledged that no simulation will equate to game-time intensity but he was pleased with the way Robinson kept his conditioning going, which could negate the need for the minutes ceiling if and when he's ready to play against the Wizards.

“There’s nothing you can do that’s going to replicate a game. This is the next step to be in practice and take contact, but it’s still not the intensity of a game," the Knicks boss said. "If he can handle minutes, he’ll play. If he needs a break, he’ll get a break. So we’ll talk to him, talk to the medical people, see what everyone thinks. We like the depth that we have at that position.”

With Robinson sidelined, the Knicks have turned to Jericho Sims and Isaiah Hartenstein in the backcourt. Sims earned enough positive momentum to partake in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday, shooting 77 percent and hauling in 6.5 rebounds a game during his time in the starting lineup. Hartenstein has hauled in at least 10 rebounds in six of the last nine games in relief and the Knicks weathered Robinson's departure with an 8-6 record that allowed them to move into the last automatic Eastern Conference playoff spot. 

Through 38 games (37 starts), Robinson is pulling in a career-best 8.9 rebounds a game. He previously missed time in November due to a knee issue. Robinson is working his way through the first year of a new four-season contract bestowed to him over the offseason.

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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