New York Knicks expect center Mitchell Robinson to miss entire season
The New York Knicks expect center Mitchell Robinson to miss the remainder of the season while recovering from an ankle injury. They have applied for a disabled player exemption (DPE) worth $7.8 million.
If a team believes a player will miss the entire season, they can request a DPE from the NBA league office. In Robinson's case, his prognosis changed after undergoing surgery to repair a damaged left ankle. The Knicks have yet to comment on his injury, but DPE documents indicate Robinson will be sidelined until June 15.
Preliminary estimates have the Knicks evaluating Robinson eight to 10 weeks before setting a specific timetable for Robinson's return sometime in March.
The Knicks need help bolstering their front line and have been linked to big men in various offseason trade rumors, including Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves (20-6) and reigning MVP Joel Embiid from Philadelphia 76ers (19-8). The 76ers and Timberwolves are both playing well right now, so it doesn't make sense for them to move their star players.
The Knicks have also been mentioned as a possible trade partner for the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are shopping three starters before the trade deadline, including shooting guard Zach LaVine, small forward DeMar DeRozan and center Nikola Vucevic.
Substitute Isiah Hartenstein shines
Third Street center Jericho Sims replaced Robinson as the starting center to maintain continuity and moved backup center Isiah Hartenstein off the bench. Sims has started five games this season, averaging 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds per game. Hartenstein developed a good chemistry with the second unit, which featured point guard Immanuel Quickley and forward Josh Hart.
Since Robinson's loss, Hartenstein's playing time has increased and he has become a highly regarded sixth man for the Knicks. More importantly, he was on the field with the starters during critical moments in the fourth quarter and at the end of the game.
"This is a situation where I get to play this role, which is what I've always wanted," Hartenstein told The Athletic. "You still get tired after playing 40 minutes. I have a million scratches. It's physical. But I'm ready. I trained my body over the summer to be ready for this."
In the past nine games, Hartenstein has averaged 6.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. He had 17 rebounds in Monday's win over the Los Angeles Lakers and has had at least 10 rebounds in each of the past three games. Since early December, Hartenstein has only had one game with fewer than seven rebounds (he had six against the Jazz).
"I didn't want Mitch to get out," Hartenstein said."This is my husband. He texts me after every game, so I miss him. We have to hold on for him. That's why I keep proving that I can be in this role too."
Veteran center Taj Gibson was an unsigned free agent at the start of the season but returned to the Knicks after Robinson left, providing much-needed depth.
The Knicks play well even under the toughest conditions
The Knicks recently concluded a four-game road trip against Western Conference teams. They went 2-2 against the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, but lost a winnable game against the Utah Jazz.
The Knicks are in the midst of a tough 10-game stretch with all opponents holding a winning percentage above .500. Without Robinson in the starting lineup, they are off to a 3-1 start.
The Knicks are about to play a two-game "duplex" series against Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks. They will face off at Madison Square Garden on Saturday and again on Christmas Day. The Knicks then play a quick three-game stretch against the Oklahoma City Thunder (17-8), Orlando Magic (16-10) and the high-flying Indiana Pacers (14-12). They'll return to Madison Square Garden to face the Timberwolves at noon on New Year's Day.
If the season ended today, the Knicks (16-11) would be locked in fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics (21-6) are the top team in the Eastern Conference and first in the Atlantic Division. The Celtics are the favorite to win the division at -700, ahead of the 76ers (+475) and the Knicks (+8000). The Knicks are ranked sixth on the NBA's future roster and are +2500 to win the Eastern Conference title for the first time since the 1999 NBA Finals. It's been 50 years since the Knicks last won an NBA title, and their odds to win the 2023-24 NBA title are currently +6,000.
Read also:
- Blackjack Casino Advantage: How to Beat the Odds
- Football 101: What is relegation in football?
- Industry insiders warn: Italy’s online gambling industry risks being destroyed by new regulations
- Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud still receiving treatment for concussion
Source: www.casino.org
