Why Mitchell Robinson isn't playing tonight for Knicks vs. Cavs with injury news

The New York Knicks don't have their regular starting center.

They open the season on Wednesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they don't have Mitchell Robinson.

Robinson is one of two key Knicks missing out, along with Josh Hart.

The Cavs are light, too, with both Darius Garland and Max Strus out, along with a late scratch for De'Andre Hunter.

There'll still be plenty of talent on the floor in what should be a great season opener.

MORE: Steph Curry gets a volleyball assist from his daughter Riley

Why isn't Mitchell Robinson playing tonight?

Mitchell Robinson isn't playing in the season opener due to injury.

The big Knicks center is out with a left ankle injury.

The Knicks have called it injury management.

Robinson had ankle surgery before the 2024-25 season and played in only 17 games after he returned.

MORE: Guerschon Yabusele's weight gain makes him one of NBA's heaviest players

Robinson did play some this preseason, so his absence isn't entirely expected, but the Knicks seem to be playing it safe.

In his place is a new starter: Ariel Hukporti.

Hukporti was a 2024 second-round pick but gets a big stage to start the new season.

More NBA News:

• Nikola Topic's testicular injury for OKC Thunder won't sideline him as long as you'd think
• Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler have a season-long bet
• 83 NBA players have been born since LeBron James made his debut
• It didn't take Draymond Green long to get his first technical foul of the season
• Alperen Sengun puts up eye-popping career high in season opener for Rockets
• Why the Bucks traded Khris Middleton to the Wizards