Expectations for the New York Knicks have skyrocketed after they radically remade their team starting midway through last season.

Trades for OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns have transformed the Knicks from a slightly above-average playoff team to one that is expected to seriously contend for the NBA championship.

But despite an excellent record this season, the Knicks have been unable to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers or Boston Celtics, which has cast some serious doubt on how far they can go in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.

The return of center Mitchell Robinson, who has been out since last season due to injury, would help New York’s prospects at least somewhat, and lately, he has been inching toward the court.

“Mitchell Robinson is expected to return this weekend for the Knicks, via Ian Begley,” SNY wrote on X.

Robinson could return as soon as Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies or Sunday against the Miami Heat.

He is a tenacious rebounder, rim protector and defender, and those are qualities the Knicks need to take another step forward.

When they made their run to the brink of the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals, they did so with a dominant defense, but so far this season, they rank 20th in defensive rating.

Robinson’s return could have another benefit. If he moves into the starting lineup, he would push Towns to power forward, where some feel he is best suited.

Robinson has career averages of 8.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, but he has played just 90 games since the 2022-23 season.