Saturday was a rough night for the New York Knicks on the court, but off it, the team received encouraging news about two key injured players. OG Anunoby has been sidelined for several weeks with a toe injury, while Mitchell Robinson has been out since last season following offseason foot surgery.
Before the Knicks’ 131-104 loss to the Boston Celtics, ESPN’s Shams Charania provided an update on their potential return timelines. “He (Robinson) is expected to start 5-on-5 play very soon,” Charania reported. “I’m told he and the Knicks are aiming for a return before March 1, potentially marking his season debut.”
Robinson has long been regarded as an elite rebounder and defender, though injuries have been a recurring issue. Last season, he played in 31 games, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks in 24.8 minutes per game while shooting 57.5% from the field.
Anunoby, known as one of the league’s top 3-and-D players, has also dealt with injury concerns throughout his career. However, Charania clarified that his current toe injury is more of an irritation than a structural issue. “He’s targeting a return at some point after the All-Star break,” Charania said.
Getting both players back well before the playoffs would be a huge boost for the Knicks. Their teammates recognize how important that could be. “They have the potential to be very good,” Jalen Brunson said. “I just want Mitch to come back fully healthy and ready to go. That’s my main focus—just making sure he’s 100 percent.”
While New York’s performance against Boston was disappointing, the potential return of Anunoby and Robinson could significantly impact the team’s trajectory for the rest of the season.
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