Mitchell Robinsons Knicks return might finally be…
CHICAGO — The Knicks are getting close to full strength.
After lacking the past two video games to deal with a death in the household, Miles McBride rejoined the workforce in Chicago and is anticipated to play in Friday’s recreation against the Bulls.
Mitchell Robinson, who has been managing a fragile ankle, practiced Thursday — his first full participation since the common season started — and might make his debut.
Mitchell Robinson (black cap), who has been managing a balky ankle, might return to motion on Friday night time against the Bulls. Jason Szenes / New York Post
According to coach Mike Brown, Robinson is a game-time determination for Friday. And while the middle’s availability will doubtless stay a persistent story this season, Brown understands the potential.
“Mitch brings a lot to the table. Obviously, he hasn’t played in a while too. So he’s not going to be Mitch Robinson in the next five games probably, no matter when he plays or how much he plays,” Brown said. “But his length, his versatility, in terms of being able to guard one through five, his ability to offensive rebound, defensive rebound, he just brings a lot to both ends of the floor. You get a vertical threat offensively and an anchor defensively, that it’s hard to replace because he’s a special player at that position.”
Robinson hadn’t performed or practiced since the third recreation of preseason, when he was mysteriously shut down for “left ankle injury management.” Brown has insisted there was no precise injury — just a load management plan for an ankle that required surgical procedure practically 18 months in the past — and that’s laborious to imagine since he logged three preseason video games before the three-week hiatus.
Regardless of the explanation, there’s been momentum toward his return. According to a source, Robinson also participated in the morning shootaround before Tuesday’s recreation in Milwaukee.
MItchell Robinson appears to shoot over Rudy Gobert during the Knicks’ preseason win over the Timberwolves on Oct. 9 2025. Robert Sabo for New York Post
“He looks good,” Brown said.
Without Robinson, Brown has alternated between beginning Ariel Hukporti — the teen whose inexperience has been obvious — and transferring Karl-Anthony Towns to middle.
As a complete, the protection has been better than the offense for the Knicks (2-2), who have misplaced two in a row while McBride was home in Ohio to be with household.
“I love those guys [on my team] but I had to be with family,” McBride said. “Honestly, just tough on the fam, but that’s part of life.”
McBride was one of the top performers in the preseason and two regular-season contests, a strong match for Brown’s fast-paced offense as the Knicks’ most athletic participant. The workforce missed him.
Without McBride, the bench managed just 18 mixed factors in a loss to the Bucks and just 21 in a defeat to the Heat.
“He does a lot of things on both ends of the floor,” Brown said. “His energy is contagious, he’s a two-way player. He can play on the ball, he can play off the ball defensively. He can play on the ball or off the ball offensively. Even though he’s a small guard, his athleticism and power obviously make him a good offensive rebounder. He can defensive rebound too. So there’s a lot he can bring to the table besides scoring that you miss when he’s not around.”
The Knicks will need that vitality against the Bulls (4-0), who are averaging practically 120 factors behind a stellar start from Josh Giddey. In their two defeats, the Knicks misplaced the second half by an average of 13.5 factors.
“Keeping our foot on the gas, finishing strong,” Jalen Brunson said. “We’re starting great and not finishing strong, and that’s gonna be big for us, especially against a team that’s hot.”
Stay up to date with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest Sports news and content, rigorously curated to keep you informed.
