The New York Knicks will open the Mike Brown era without two of their most important rotation players.
According to multiple reports, center Mitchell Robinson will sit out the season opener due to left ankle injury management, while Josh Hart remains sidelined with lumbar spasms.
The setbacks come as the Knicks enter a high-pressure season after firing Tom Thibodeau, who led the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.
Mitchell Robinson’s Injury Adds to Ongoing Durability Concerns
Getty ImagesMitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks is dealing with a left ankle injury.
The news of Robinson’s absence was first reported by the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy. The 26-year-old big man started the preseason strong, hauling down 16 rebounds in just 18 minutes in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi. However, he was limited afterward — playing only the first half of the next preseason game before being held out for the remainder.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Robinson has not practiced this week, fueling concern over his long-term availability. The injury-prone center has played just 48 games over the past two seasons, missing significant time with a fractured foot that required surgery.
Robinson returned late last year and appeared in the Knicks’ final 17 regular-season games, averaging 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He remained healthy through the playoffs, contributing 4.7 points and 7.8 rebounds over 18 postseason games.
“The Knicks don’t want him to play unless he’s 100 percent healthy,” Begley reported on X. “There’s no new injury, but the team and Robinson’s camp are working on a season-long health management plan aimed at keeping him fresh for the playoffs. It will be a challenge for Mike Brown not to have Robinson on some nights, but the priority is long-term health.”
Josh Hart Dealing With Lingering Back Spasms
Hart’s absence also looms large for the Knicks. The veteran wing suffered a hard fall in the team’s first preseason game in Abu Dhabi, injuring his lower back while diving for a loose ball.
Begley reported that Hart has resumed running and light on-court workouts but has not yet joined full-contact scrimmages.
“Like with Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks’ medical team is taking a cautious approach with Hart,” Begley noted. “If Hart’s back continues to progress, the team will gradually increase his workload. For now, the Knicks will be down two rotation players to start the season — not ideal for a team trying to gel under a new head coach.”
Hart is coming off a career season, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists last season, providing the energy, rebounding, and perimeter defense that became trademarks of the Knicks’ gritty identity under Thibodeau. He broke the Knicks franchise record for triple-doubles with nine last season.
Knicks’ Depth to Be Tested Early
With Robinson and Hart unavailable, Mike Brown will have to lean on the team’s revamped bench. The Knicks added French forward Guerschon Yabusele and former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson over the offseason to strengthen their depth.
Brown could turn to second-year center Ariel Hukporti as a temporary starter at center, particularly against the Cleveland Cavaliers’ twin towers of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Alternatively, if the Knicks opt for a smaller, faster lineup, Karl-Anthony Towns could slide to the five with Yabusele starting at power forward.
Guards Miles McBride, Landry Shamet, and Clarkson will likely see expanded minutes to cover for Hart’s absence.
The Knicks’ season opener tips off Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, where Brown will coach his first official game for the franchise amid mounting expectations.
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