Knicks' Mitchell Robinson 'Progressing' in Ankle Injury Rehab, Tom Thibodeau Says

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau provided a positive update to reporters Tuesday on center Mitchell Robinson, who has been out with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

The 25-year-old Robinson has averaged 6.2 points on 59.2 percent shooting, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 29.2 minutes over 21 games for the Knicks this season. He has been out since Dec. 8, when he suffered the injury against the Boston Celtics.

Without Robinson, the Knicks have turned to Isaiah Hartenstein as the starting center, with Jericho Sims as the backup.

Since Dec. 8, Hartenstein has averaged 8.0 points on 62.7 percent shooting, 11.4 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals in 31.8 minutes per game. He's been a tremendous rebounder for the Knicks, amassing 15 or more boards on nine occasions since Robinson suffered the stress fracture.

Robinson's return would be a welcome sight for the Knicks given his rebounding and defensive prowess. It would also provide the team with more frontcourt depth as the Knicks look to surge ahead in the Eastern Conference standings.

New York has been on fire since the OG Anunoby trade, going 15-3 during the 2024 calendar year. If the Knicks are fortunate enough to be healthy rolling into the playoffs, then this team will be a serious contender to win the Eastern Conference.

For now, New York is focused on keeping up the positive momentum and getting everyone back healthy. The Knicks are notably down five players against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, with Julius Randle (dislocated right shoulder), Anunoby (right elbow inflammation), Quentin Grimes (sprained right knee) and Sims (illness) all out in addition to Robinson.

Tipoff against Memphis is set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET in Madison Square Garden.