The New York Knicks will be hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Madison Square Garden. The Knicks’ three-game winning streak was snapped by the Spurs in their last game as New York aims to move up the conference rankings in the East. But it won’t be any easy against this next opponent.

The OKC Thunder is the youngest team in the NBA and what they might lack in experience, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. make up for in their high-flying gameplay. The Thunder is in a tightly contested battle between Minnesota and Denver for the top three position. And it’s a fight they aren’t going to give up until the very end. But just for tonight, the Knicks might be hopeful.

Oklahoma’s superstar, Gilgeous-Alexander is listed on the injury list as ‘Doubtful’ with a right quad contusion. But at the same time, New York’s Mitchell Robinson, who had made a comeback after missing 50 games, is also on the injury list for tonight. He is listed as ‘Questionable’ with a sprained right ankle.

Isaiah Hartenstein is listed as ‘Probable’ with a sprained right wrist. Also joining him is Alec Burks with a sprained right shoulder. Julius Randle and OG Anunoby continue to stay ‘Out’ with a dislocated right shoulder and injury management on the right elbow, respectively.

Mitchell Robinson needs to be eased in

Mitchell Robinson had just played for two games before he had to go back on the injury report. His first game after almost a four-month absence was for Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. In 12 minutes of game time, Robinson had eight points and two rebounds. Although the 25-year-old center is playing on a minute restriction, he came off the bench in place of Isaiah Hartenstein in the Raptors game.

But since Hartenstein also needs playing time monitored, Coach Thibodeau has to handle it in a way as to minimize the risk and yet not compromise the quality. And he does so by an efficient three-man rotation with his three centers, including Precious Achiuwa.

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Mitchell had sustained a fracture in his right ankle during the Knicks’ loss to Boston on December 8, 2023. Although he tried to play through the pain in the second half, it was clear that the injury was severe. But if all works out, Robinson will not have to miss any more games. And the rest of the regular season games will definitely help him for the playoffs.

Missing 50 games and hoping for a player to jump right back in like his former self would be like wishing for the moon. But Robinson is doing pretty neat considering his situation. Hopefully, he can suit up come game time!

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