Alex MacQuoid
The 2026 NBA Finals begin tonight as the New York Knicks visit the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET.
Most of the attention before Game 1 is on one injury question: Mitchell Robinson’s right hand.
The Knicks center is listed as questionable with a fractured right fifth metacarpal, but multiple reports suggest he is pushing to play. San Antonio, meanwhile, enters the Finals with no players listed on its injury report.
Knicks vs Spurs Game 1 Injury Report
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Robinson | New York Knicks | Questionable | Fractured right fifth metacarpal |
| None listed | San Antonio Spurs | Available | No injuries reported |
Will Mitchell Robinson Play Against the Spurs?
Robinson is expected to make a strong push to play in Game 1 despite undergoing surgery on his injured right hand.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Robinson still plans to suit up against San Antonio, although the Knicks must officially clear him before tip-off. He is expected to wear a brace if he plays.
The injury is more than just a broken pinky. Reports have described it as damage to the fifth metacarpal, the bone connected to the pinky finger. That makes his ability to catch passes, rebound through contact, and finish around the rim worth watching closely.
Robinson participated in practice earlier in the week, which is an encouraging sign. However, the Knicks are likely to make a final decision closer to game time.
Why Robinson’s Status Matters
Robinson may not be one of New York’s highest scorers, but his role is vital.
During the regular season, he averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 19.6 minutes per game. His offensive rebounding was especially important, as he ranked among the league leaders with 4.2 offensive boards per game.
In the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Robinson has averaged 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes while shooting 73.7% from the field.
Those numbers do not fully explain his value. Robinson gives the Knicks size, rim protection, second-chance opportunities, and another defensive body to throw at Victor Wembanyama.
What Happens If Robinson Is Limited?
If Robinson plays but is limited, the Knicks may need to adjust their frontcourt rotation.
Karl-Anthony Towns would likely take on more center minutes, especially in high-leverage stretches. New York could also turn to Ariel Hukporti or Mohamed Diawara for additional size off the bench.
The challenge is clear: San Antonio’s frontcourt is built around Wembanyama, who has been one of the most dominant players of the postseason.
Wembanyama enters the Finals averaging 23.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in the playoffs. His ability to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and punish mismatches means New York needs as many reliable interior options as possible.
Spurs Injury Report
San Antonio has no players listed on its injury report entering Game 1.
That is a major boost for the Spurs after a demanding seven-game Western Conference Finals series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Wembanyama healthy, De’Aaron Fox running the offense, Stephon Castle producing in the backcourt, and Dylan Harper providing scoring depth, San Antonio enters the Finals with its key rotation intact.
Knicks Injury Outlook
The Knicks are otherwise in strong shape entering Game 1.
Jalen Brunson remains the engine of New York’s offense after averaging 26.9 points and 6.6 assists during the postseason. OG Anunoby has provided efficient two-way production, while Towns has delivered scoring, rebounding, and playmaking from the frontcourt.
Robinson’s availability is the only major injury concern, but it is an important one because of the matchup.
Against a Spurs team led by Wembanyama, every rebound, contest, and second-chance possession could matter.
Final Thoughts
The biggest injury storyline before Knicks vs Spurs Game 1 is Mitchell Robinson’s fractured right fifth metacarpal.
He is officially questionable, but the expectation is that he will try to play through the injury with a brace. His effectiveness, not just his availability, could be one of the deciding factors in the opener.
San Antonio enters Game 1 fully healthy, while New York waits on final clearance for one of its most important interior defenders.
If Robinson can give the Knicks quality minutes, New York keeps its defensive wall intact. If he is limited or ruled out, the Spurs may have an even clearer path to attacking the paint through Wembanyama.