The New York Knicks have been without their starting center since Jan. 18 when he fractured his thumb against the Wizards. The following day, Mitchell Robinson underwent surgery and has been sidelined since.
James Dolan said over two weeks ago on live television that Robinson would be out for another four weeks. On Tuesday, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that Robinson hadn’t been cleared for contact yet but that he has been “making progress.” Begley added that if Robinson leaves New York over All-Star break, the Knicks will send people with him so that he can continue to rehab.
New York’s next game will be on Feb. 24 against Washington, but based on Begley’s report, it seems as if Robinson could be out for another week or two after the break. With the Knicks pushing toward securing a playoff berth, Robinson’s return will be huge.
When is Mitchell Robinson going to return for the Knicks?
Based on the assumption that Mitchell Robinson could return within a week or two after break (that’s speculation), here’s what New York’s schedule will look like:
- Feb. 24 at Washington
- Feb. 25 vs. New Orleans
- Feb. 27 vs. Boston
- Mar. 1 vs. Brooklyn
- Mar. 3 at Miami
- Mar. 5 at Boston
- Mar. 7 vs. Charlotte
- Mar. 9 at Sacramento
As you can see, that will be a tough stretch for the Knicks. The Mar. 9 game against the Kings will mark the start of a four-game road trip out West that will end on Mar. 14 in Portland. Hopefully, Robinson will be able to make it back in time for that, if not before.
New York has beaten Boston, Brooklyn, and Miami since Robinson got injured, but those four matchups (the Celtics twice) will be the most challenging for the Knicks. Although Zion Williamson’s recovery from a hamstring injury has been prolonged, the Pelicans will be no easy opponent.
Mitchell Robinson’s full recovery is what’s important. The last thing that fans should want is for him to be rushed back to the court only to get further injured. If New York can continue to remain in playoff/play-in range without him (and that should be the case), that will make Robinson’s return that much better.
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