Knicks News: Mitchell Robinson ankle optimism, CBB legend joins rival coaching staff

The New York Knicks need Mitchell Robinson in Game 4, but he could miss it after he sat the second half of the team's Game 3 loss. Robinson was at the center of a couple of controversial Joel Embiid plays, including one in the first quarter where Embiid ripped Robinson's legs out from under him.

Robinson left Wells Fargo Center in a walking boot, but his teammates said the big man was in good spirits after the game.

"He was in his normal good mood,” Hartenstein said.

“He was doing well,” Miles McBride said."

- Ian Begley, via SNY

New York had Friday off but will practice on Saturday. More regarding Robinson's status for Game 4 should come out today. If he doesn't play, expect Precious Achiuwa (and maybe even Jericho Sims) to fill in off the bench.

In other news, the Nets hired former Fab Five member and Michigan head coach Juwan Howard as an assistant coach. The Wolverines fired the 51-year-old after an 8-24 season in 2023-24. Howard spent six seasons with the Heat as an assistant coach before taking the Michigan job.

Earlier this week, Brooklyn introduced former Kings assistant Jordi Fernández as the organization's next head coach.

More Knicks news

- Knicks legend Charles Oakley told Newsday's Barbara Barker that he "probably would have smacked" (subscription required) Joel Embiid after his flagrant foul on Mitchell Robinson.

- On FanDuel's 'Run It Back,' Immanuel Quickley spoke the truth about Joel Embiid's flagrant one foul in Knicks-Sixers Game 3.

- Miles McBride has the right mindset for what will be a pivotal Game 4 in Philadelphia on Sunday.

NBA news

- Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Game 3's loss on Friday as he recovers from a strained left calf. It's the sixth consecutive game that Antetokounmpo has missed. The Pacers are up in the series, 2-1.

- The Athletic's Andrew Marchand reported that Amazon Prime Video and the NBA (subscription required) agreed to a "framework of a deal that will make the streaming service one of the main homes for the league's games."

- On Thursday, Steph Curry was named the 2023-24 NBA Clutch Player of the Year after he led the league in clutch scoring.