Knicks rookie center Mitchell Robinson is looking to return from a sprained ankle. He now has to deal with a strained groin, too.

While practicing for the first time since he last played on Dec. 14, Robinson slipped and strained his groin.

"I slipped, really. My shoes don't have grip because they're new. And the court that we were on was a little bit slippery," Robinson said, according to the New York Daily News' Stefan Bondy. "I was trying to play defense and I was running back on the court, and I stopped myself. And I just slipped."

Robinson, who has missed New York's last nine games, will not play Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers or Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors. However, he did not re-injure his ankle.

"It is frustration because I was looking forward to coming back to play and get in my rhythm," Robinson said, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman. "I've got to stay positive and trust the trainer. The ankle is fine. The ankle is good."

Added head coach David Fizdale: "He was close to getting better. I don't think it's a big deal, but it will keep him out a couple more games."

The 20-year-old Robinson, who has averaged 4.7 points and 3.9 rebounds in 28 games this season, is not ruling out a return for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks' last game before they face the Washington Wizards in London on Thursday.

"I just think he's had some unfortunate luck," Fizdale said. "I love the way he plays. I want him to keep that fly around attitude, that's what makes him who he is."

Popular in the Community