Mitchell Robinson Hopes To Play By March 1; OG Anunoby Expected Back After All-Star Break

The Knicks are hoping to get two important frontcourt players back in their lineup within the next three weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN said on NBA Countdown (Twitter video link), providing medical updates on Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby.

Robinson, who has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery last summer, hopes to return to action by March 1, according to Charania. He recently received medical clearance to practice without restrictions and is expected to begin participating in five-on-five scrimmages soon.

There were numerous trade rumors involving Robinson over the past month, but the Knicks reportedly didn’t have any substantial talks about moving him. Instead, they sent Jericho Sims to Milwaukee as part of a four-team deal that has left the team somewhat short-handed in the middle.

Anunoby, who’s missing his third straight game tonight, isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star break, Charania adds. That means he’ll also sit out Tuesday’s contest at Indiana and Wednesday’s home game against Atlanta.

Anunoby was originally diagnosed with a sprained right foot, but Charania reports that it’s actually a toe issue. He adds that it’s “more of an irritating injury” rather than something structural.

Anunoby, who has appeared in 49 of the Knicks’ first 51 games, is averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 36.3 minutes per night. Injuries limited him to 50 total games last season with New York and Toronto.