The NBA Finals begin Wednesday in San Antonio with the Spurs hosting the Knicks in Game 1. San Antonio enters the series in relatively good health after defeating the Thunder in seven games. New York also arrives largely healthy after back-to-back playoff sweeps, but the biggest injury storyline entering the Finals is Mitchell Robinson's fractured right pinky finger and how it could impact the Knicks' matchup against Victor Wembanyama.
Knicks Injury Concerns
Mitchell Robinson - Fractured Right Pinky
Robinson plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace on his right hand after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured pinky finger. Head coach Mike Brown said Robinson was not injured during Game 4 or in practice, though the exact timing of the injury remains unclear. Robinson is averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 14.2 minutes per game during the playoffs. The Knicks' success has closely tracked his availability, posting a 40-20 record with Robinson in the lineup compared to 13-9 when he was sidelined. His availability and effectiveness could be a key factor in New York's ability to match up with Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
Status: Expected to play Game 1
OG Anunonby - Hamstring
Anunoby missed Games 3 and 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a right hamstring strain in Game 2. He returned during the Eastern Conference finals and played all four games against the Cavaliers without any reported setbacks. The hamstring injury no longer appears to be a significant concern entering the NBA Finals, though it remains something to monitor. Anunoby is New York's second-leading scorer this postseason, averaging 19.7 points per game.
Status: Will play in Game 1
Spurs Injury Concerns
De'Aaron Fox - Ankle Sprain
Fox missed the first two games of the Western Conference finals because of a right ankle sprain but returned in Game 3 and played the remainder of the series. He averaged 11.2 points in 31.4 minutes per game during the series. Although his production fell below his regular-season average of 18.6 points per game, the ankle no longer appears to be limiting him, and he is expected to be fully available for the NBA Finals.
Status: Will play in Game 1
Bottom Line
Both teams enter the NBA Finals in relatively good health.
Robinson remains the most important injury to monitor. While he plans to play, his effectiveness could play a major role in New York's ability to defend Victor Wembanyama and maintain its preferred frontcourt rotation.
If Robinson is limited or suffers a setback, the Knicks may be forced into smaller lineups against one of the NBA's most dominant interior players.
