The New York Knicks may have taken Game 1 from the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, but the cost was high.
The team announced Tuesday that center Mitchell Robinson, who has provided solid rim protection off the bench for head coach Tom Thibodeau’s team, will likely miss the remainder of the playoffs with a left ankle stress injury. did.
Robinson played just 12 minutes in the Knicks’ Game 1 win and looked slower than usual during his time on the floor.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks plays against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on February 25, 2023 in New York City. (Mike Stove/Getty Images)
Images of his injured ankle confirmed that he is dealing with a stress injury and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks. That timetable would be near the end of the NBA Finals.
This is a recurring injury for Robinson, who had been undergoing treatment since December. He was forced to miss 50 regular season games before returning in March.
Bucks’ Patrick Beverley on violent pass into the stands: ‘It should never have happened’
He also sprained his ankle during the Knicks’ first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Robinson was forced to miss a game in that series as well.
#23 Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks walks to the basket during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Heat on March 22, 2023 at Miami Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Achiuwa is a valuable addition to the center role off the bench, and Thibodeau will likely need to call him up in the future when the time comes to relieve Isaiah Hartenstein.
But there’s no question the Knicks are missing Robinson’s rebounding ability and ability to defend not only in the paint but also on the perimeter.
Achiuwa played just under 20 minutes in the Game 4 win over the Sixers in the first round with Robinson out, but was 0-for-5 from the field. But he did have seven rebounds and four blocks while being a plus-11 on the floor.
Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts during the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Knicks, who are the top team in offensive rebounding in the postseason so far, will need Achiuwa’s contributions going forward and will look to him to continue to provide rebounding brilliance off the bench.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
