The Knicks and Spurs entered Game 5 of the NBA Finals with one notable change on the injury report: New York center Mitchell Robinson is available despite a fractured right fifth metacarpal in his right hand, while San Antonio lists backup center Luke Kornet as questionable with an illness. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at Frost Bank Center.
Robinson’s status matters because his minutes have been a steady part of New York’s playoff rotation. Through 17 postseason games, he has averaged 13.6 minutes, 5.0 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 68.0% from the field. He has also given the Knicks second chances on the glass, averaging 2.4 offensive rebounds per game in the playoffs.
That availability gives the Knicks another interior option against a Spurs frontcourt led by Victor Wembanyama. The French center has been the most productive player in San Antonio’s playoff run, averaging 24.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocks across 21 games. The Spurs will need his usual workload as they try to extend the series after falling behind 3-1.
Kornet’s status adds some uncertainty to San Antonio’s center rotation. The veteran has appeared in all 22 playoff games and has averaged 13.0 minutes, 3.8 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 57.9% from the field.
The rest of the matchup is built around the Knicks’ core, which has carried New York to the brink of a title. Jalen Brunson has been the series engine, putting up 27.4 points and 6.2 assists per game in the playoffs while logging 36.7 minutes nightly. OG Anunoby has added 20.7 points per game and has shot 50.6% from three in the postseason, while Karl-Anthony Towns has provided 16.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game.
New York’s supporting pieces have also mattered. Mikal Bridges is averaging 13.4 points per game in the playoffs, Josh Hart is at 10.3 points and 8.8 rebounds, and Landry Shamet has hit 49.1% of his threes.
San Antonio’s backcourt has still put up enough production to stay within striking distance. De’Aaron Fox is averaging 16.0 points and 6.0 assists in the playoffs, Stephon Castle is at 18.7 points and 6.2 assists, and Dylan Harper has chipped in 13.6 points and 5.6 rebounds as a secondary scorer. Devin Vassell is adding 13.0 points per game, giving the Spurs multiple options if the Knicks continue to load up on Wembanyama.
