About to embark on one of the most important stretches in franchise history, the New York Knicks received great news on the injury front. SNY’s Ian Begley reports that both OG Anunoby (foot) and Mitchell Robinson (foot) were given positive medical updates for practice. Robinson has been cleared for normal five-on-five contact and scrimmaging, while Anunoby has been cleared for full practice.
Both Mitchell Robinson (foot) and OG Anunoby (foot) participated in full practice today, iwhich included 5-on-5 scrimmaging, Tom Thibodeau said. This was the first opportunity for Robinson & Anunoby to play 5-on-5. Miles McBride (rib) was also a full participant in practice
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 19, 2025
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Knicks Receive Great Injury News on Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby
These developments were sorely needed for a banged-up Knicks squad. New York had no prospects for an eventual playoff run without the health of their two best defensive players. Anunoby had been out since suffering an odd non-contact foot injury on February 1st. NY was 4-1 in the five games he sat out, but their defense was extremely shaky, especially in a home matchup against Boston. In a conference with Jayson Tatum sitting between NY and the Finals, Anunoby’s is perhaps the Knicks’ most indispensable player.
Robinson was hurt in last year’s playoffs, suffering an ankle injury that required surgery. The often injured seven-footer was unfortunately, held out long past his original December return date as the team took a cautious approach to his rehab. NY has desperately needed their top rim protector to join the lineup and clean up the messes left behind by poor defenders such as Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. While his presence doesn’t fix New York’s glaring flaw, it allows Thibodeau more lineup flexibility on both ends. Furthermore, it gives the Knicks’ elite offense a chance to carry them to the trophy with a passable defense.
Both Players’ Returns Are Unknown
While great news, it is still unclear when each player will return to the court. Presumably, Anunoby will be seen before Robinson, as he had been ahead of schedule quickly after suffering the injury. As mentioned previously, New York has taken it extremely slow with Robinson’s recovery due to his checkered medical past. He likely still has hurdles to clear before taking the floor, and the Knicks should give him ample time.
With the team being essentially locked into the three seed, NY only needs Robinson for the playoffs. He will need to see NBA action before being in a postseason rotation, but that’s still two months away. It will be nice to see the Block Ness Monster playing again, but his health must come first. The kid-gloves approach New York must constantly take with Robinson should be considered in the offseason in possible trades, but for now, his return is all that matters.
As for Anunoby, it appears he will be back sooner rather than later. New York would love to have him back by Friday when they play at Cleveland or Sunday in Boston as they attempt to reach 40 wins before 20 losses (Phil Jackson’s rule). However, given his rough injury history, the Knicks are just happy to have avoided worse news. The entire fanbase and organization can breathe a sigh of relief.
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