Robinson, who has had several injury issues throughout his career, had been available for New York this postseason. In 13 playoff games this year, Robinson has averaged 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.6 bocks and 0.5 steals across just 14.2 minutes per game.

Robinson is typically the first center off the bench to spell starter Karl-Anthony Towns, but Robinson’s struggles from the free throw line — he’s shooting just 30.2% from the line this postseason — have forced Knicks coach Mike Brown to be more sparing with Robinson’s playing time. That’s magnified further because opposing teams have resorted to intentionally fouling Robinson to put him on the line.

Still, Robinson tends to have extremely impactful minutes because of his high effort and intensity. He’s also dominant on the offensive glass and is averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds in his short time on the floor.

If Robinson is forced to miss time, third-string center Ariel Hukporti becomes the next man up. Hukporti, who is in his second season, appeared in just 54 games this season — most of that coming in garbage time — and played just 9.2 minutes across those appearances.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mitchell Robinson injury update, Knicks center's status for NBA Finals