Mitchell Robinson left Wednesday's game against the Wizards with what the team announced as a sprained thumb, but less than 24 hours later, the Knicks announced that their starting center underwent surgery for a fractured right thumb, and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Robinson, the team's defensive anchor at the rim, represents a huge loss for New York, despite the Knicks having Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims available to fill minutes. But Robinson had been having the best season of his career, and represents a Knicks group that is one of the best in net rating in the league when he is on the floor.
Three weeks would put Robinson at just before the All-Star break, so assuming New York is cautious, Robinson likely won't be back until after the break.
Obi Toppin, recently back from his own injury, will likely see increased minutes as well in Robinson's absence.
Regardless of who fills in, the Knicks are losing their best rim protector and offensive rebounder for an extended period of time.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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