Knicks center Mitchell Robinson was upgraded to questionable and will be able to make his 2024/25 season debut as early as Friday against the Grizzlies, Shams Charania of ESPN reports (Twitter link).

Robinson hasn’t played since last year’s Game 1 in the playoffs against the Pacers.

It’s unclear exactly which game Robinson will return for, as Charania’s report says he’ll play “as early as” Friday.

However, he’ll travel for the team’s upcoming two-game road trip that includes Sunday at Miami and he is expected to play in one of those two games.

It was previously reported that Robinson was “inching” toward a return and that the Knicks were optimistic about having him back this weekend.

Robinson may be brought along slowly after not playing at all this season so far. However, when he’s at full strength, he’s an obvious boost to a Knicks frontcourt with depleted depth.

With Robinson out and Karl-Anthony Towns missing the team’s last game due to a lower body injury, New York turned to rookie Ariel Hukporti to make his first start on Wednesday night.

However, the rookie center is now out for at least four-to-six weeks with a significant injury he suffered in that game.

Not counting Robinson, Hukporti’s injury left the Knicks with only Precious Achiuwa as a big-man option behind Towns.

Robinson is an obvious force on the boards for the Knicks, averaging 7.9 for his career there. Last season, he averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks, establishing himself as a defensive anchor for the team.

However, he was only available for 31 games and missed the final six outings of the playoffs.

Regardless, Robinson ranked second in the league on the offensive glass last season before his injury, pulling down 4.6 offensive rebounds per game. He also has the optionality to play alongside Towns due to his defensive play.