Mitchell Robinson Injury Update: Celtics Center Says He'll Be OK
Mitchell Robinson gave the Boston Celtics a scare in his very first game for the team, but the latest Mitchell Robinson injury update is the one Boston wanted. The starting center tweaked his left ankle in the second quarter of the Boston Celtics' 121-113 season-opening loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday, stayed in the game, and said afterward that he will be OK — big news with the New York Knicks visiting TD Garden for the home opener on Friday.
Mitchell Robinson's Celtics debut took a scary turn in the second quarter
Mitchell Robinson drew the start in his first official game for the Boston Celtics, and the Mitchell Robinson Celtics debut nearly ended early. After Kevin Huerter missed a corner three, Robinson fought Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren on the glass, took a bump, and twisted his ankle off the hardwood. Robinson stayed down in pain for a few seconds while Ausar Thompson scored on the five-on-four break, and head coach Joe Mazzulla called a timeout as Robinson limped toward the bench.
The scare did not end Robinson's night. He checked back in after the timeout, recorded a block soon after, played in the second half, and finished with four points, three rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes. Paul George scored 38 points in his own Boston debut, and Jayson Tatum added 13 points and 11 assists, but Detroit rallied from 22 points down to win 121-113.
Robinson blamed himself for the rebounding, not the ankle
The ankle was not what Robinson wanted to talk about after the loss. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Robinson said he will be "OK" moving forward, and ClutchPoints reported it does not look as though the 28-year-old center will need to miss much time, if any.
Instead, Robinson pointed the finger at his own play on the glass. "I got my a** kicked on the glass. I can't have no starts like that," Robinson said. "I gotta compete better. I feel like I didn't compete at a high level that I normally do and I was kind of slow on a lot of things."
MORE: Celtics vs Pistons Final Score: Pistons 121, Celtics 113 in Collapse
Why Robinson's health matters so much to Boston's frontcourt
The Boston Celtics signed Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47 million contract as an unrestricted free agent this offseason, bringing him in from the New York Knicks to anchor the middle. Joe Mazzulla started Robinson over Neemias Queta, who started 75 of the 76 games he played for Boston last season, specifically to match up with Jalen Duren early. Duren finished with 22 points and nine rebounds for Detroit.
That is why even a minor ankle twist draws attention. Robinson has a history of ankle problems, and Boston's center rotation behind him — Neemias Queta and Luka Garza — is built around his rim protection and offensive rebounding.
Will Mitchell Robinson play against the Knicks on Friday?
All signs point to yes. Robinson finished the Detroit game, said he will be OK, and he does not appear on the Boston Celtics' latest injury report, which lists only guard Devin Carter, who is out with mononucleosis. The Celtics host the New York Knicks — Robinson's former team — on Friday, October 23 at TD Garden in Boston's home opener, and the Knicks carry no injury designations into the matchup.
Robinson will also be chasing a better night on the boards after managing just three rebounds in 18 minutes in Detroit.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with the Mitchell Robinson ankle injury?
Robinson rolled his left ankle in the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons while battling Jalen Duren for a rebound. He limped to the bench during a timeout, returned to the game, and played in the second half.
Did Mitchell Robinson finish the game against Detroit?
Yes. Mitchell Robinson stayed in the game after the injury scare and finished with four points, three rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes in the Boston Celtics' 121-113 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
When do the Celtics play next?
The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks on Friday, October 23 at TD Garden for their home opener. Robinson is expected to be available after saying he will be OK.
More Celtics
- Latest Celtics news
- Celtics vs Pistons Final Score: Pistons 121, Celtics 113 in Collapse
- Celtics: Jayson Tatum Vows to Play Better After Pistons Loss
Sources:
