The New York Knicks will open their season against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. However, two of New York’s best players will miss the season opener due to injuries.
On Tuesday, the Knicks announced that Josh Hart and their seven-foot big man, Mitchell Robinson, will be out for the first game of the season. Hart is sidelined with a back injury, while Robinson is out because of load management.
The Cavs finished last season as the top-ranked team in the Eastern Conference, while the Knicks made it to the semifinals in the postseason. This season opener is shaping up to be a competitive and exciting game.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment over Hart and Robinson’s absence. Many felt frustrated that such key players wouldn’t be on the court for such an important matchup.
“Running from Evan Mobley smoke,” one fan commented.
“Load management when you haven’t even stepped foot onna court 😂😂” wrote another.
“Mitchell Robinson managing Game 1? Guess he’s saving that ankle for the midseason Netflix special. 😂 Josh Hart’s back must be practicing for the bench warming Olympics. Knicks fans, enjoy the season with a popcorn. We’re just getting started 😂” said one punchy fan.
Others trolled the Knicks for resting Robinson before the season even began.
“Lmfaoooooo already resting players before the season starts, the Knicks are already worried,” one fan remarked.
“How the f*** do you load manage on the first f***ing game???” asked another.
“OH F**K NO! Not this year! Hey Adam Silver, crack down on this s**t. Josh I can understand but Mitchell Robinson?” wrote a frustrated supporter.
### Knicks Coach Mike Brown Speaks on Mitchell Robinson’s Absence
Before the season opener against the Cavs, Knicks coach Mike Brown addressed questions about Mitchell Robinson missing the game due to load management, especially since Robinson has yet to play this season.
Brown revealed that Robinson has been away from the court since the middle of last week. He emphasized that Robinson is not injured and that the team is simply being cautious.
“Really, it’s load management,” Brown said. “Which means that, obviously, if we deemed it necessary, could he possibly go? Yeah, he could possibly go. He missed a lot of games last year so we want to be cautious going forward with him. That’s about the extent of it right there.”
Robinson struggled with consistent injuries last season, which kept him sidelined more than he or the team would have liked. He played in only 17 games and started in just three during the previous season.
As the Knicks prepare to face a strong Cavaliers team without two key players, fans will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts and performs in this crucial season opener.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-running-evan-mobley-smoke-nba-fans-stunned-knicks-rules-josh-hart-7-foot-defensive-anchor-season-opener-vs-cavaliers
