New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is expected to be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday after recovering from hand surgery, according to ESPN.
Robinson suffered a fracture to the fifth metacarpal on his right hand at home between the Eastern Conference Finals and the start of the NBA Finals. He underwent surgery and is set to attempt playing despite the injury. The Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama. Robinson's presence is seen as important for rebounding and defending against Wembanyama, based on regular-season matchups where the Knicks performed better with him on the court. Robinson has averaged around 14 minutes per game this postseason. His availability allows New York to use specific lineups against the Spurs' star center.