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New York (1-0) at San Antonio (0-1)
- When: Jun 5 2026, 8:30 PM
- Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- TV: ABC
New York vs San Antonio Preview & Prediction
Spread: San Antonio -6.5
Moneyline: San Antonio (-235)
Total: 216.0
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The Knicks walked into San Antonio for Game 1 and left with home-court advantage, extending their incredible postseason winning streak to 12 games. While Jalen Brunson grabbed the headlines with 30 points, New York’s victory was fueled by the kind of gritty basketball that wins championships.
Josh Hart once again proved he might be the most annoying player on the floor for opponents. He scored only three points, yet somehow finished with 15 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. That’s the basketball equivalent of showing up to a barbecue, eating one hot dog, and still winning MVP of the party.
Brunson battled through a sore knee and ankle before exploding for 13 fourth-quarter points. The Knicks closed on an 11-0 run and completely stole momentum from a Spurs team that looked in control for much of the night.
New York continues to thrive because every player embraces a role. Brunson scores, Hart does everything else, and the results keep piling up.
Knicks Player Prop Pick: Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 Points
Brunson remains the engine of the offense and has shown he can deliver in the biggest moments.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview
The Spurs learned a harsh lesson in Game 1: NBA Finals games don’t end after three quarters.
San Antonio was outscored by 10 points in the final frame and suddenly finds itself trailing in the series despite entering as the betting favorite.
Victor Wembanyama posted 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, but the superstar wasn’t satisfied. He shot just 6-for-21 from the field and committed six turnovers. Even Gregg Popovich reportedly reminded him that he’s capable of much more.
The good news for Spurs backers is that Wembanyama still produced elite numbers despite one of his least efficient games of the postseason. That’s a scary thought for New York.
The bigger concern is De’Aaron Fox, who managed only seven points on 3-for-13 shooting. San Antonio needs a much stronger offensive performance from its backcourt if it wants to avoid heading to New York down 0-2.
Expect a focused response from a young team eager to prove Game 1 was simply a learning experience.
Spurs Player Prop Pick: Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 Rebounds
Wembanyama was active on the glass despite the loss and should be even more aggressive in a must-win setting.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
Game 1 showed New York is more than capable of competing for a title, but San Antonio remains in a dangerous bounce-back spot. Wembanyama is unlikely to shoot that poorly again, and the Spurs should clean up many of the late-game mistakes that cost them the opener.
The Knicks continue to be one of the toughest teams in basketball, but desperation and home court give San Antonio the edge in Game 2.
Final Score: Spurs 114, Knicks 105
Lean: San Antonio -6.5
Total: Over 216.0
- NBA Finals Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
