Great news for the Knicks! Mitchell Robinson will still play in Game 1 of the Finals despite a fractured right hand: his offensive rebounding and second-chance scoring are crucial.

Per top insider Shams, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson engaged in full team drills yesterday following right-hand surgery and is projected to suit up for Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the Spurs. This is certainly encouraging news for New York.

Robinson previously broke the fifth metacarpal in his right hand, and his status was officially labeled as questionable yesterday. This contest is the Knicks' first trip to the Finals since 1999, as they aim for their first NBA championship since 1973. During yesterday's open practice, he performed light shooting and dribbling drills, with a black wrap around his shooting hand and right wrist.

The 28-year-old Robinson has appeared in 13 of the Knicks' 14 playoff games this season, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes off the bench. In the previous Eastern Conference Semifinals sweep against the 76ers, he missed Game 2 due to illness. Statistics show that Robinson has primarily used his left hand for rim protection in the playoffs, contesting 42 of 53 opponent shots with his left hand.

Data platform statistics also reveal that when Robinson was on the floor during the playoffs, the Knicks' offensive rebounding rate soared to 39.4%; when he was off (excluding garbage time), that figure plummeted to 28.6%. The Knicks averaged 17.7 second-chance points per game in the playoffs, the highest in the league, with Robinson playing a key role. Against the defensively strong Spurs, his ability to crash the boards and secure extra possessions will be vital.

According to ESPN's win probability for Game 1 between the two teams, the visiting Knicks have a 42% chance, while the home Spurs have a 58% chance.