The San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks have taken contrasting routes to the 2026 NBA Finals , leaving punters facing a tricky conundrum in terms of which team will come out on top. Knicks fans can take heart from a run of 11 straight wins during the play-offs, but Spurs supporters will be buoyed by edging out the defending champions in Oklahoma City Thunder.
We favour the more battle-hardened San Antonio at 1/2 for championship glory, with New York available at 13/8 to lift the trophy in a best-of-seven match-up where they will play a maximum of three home games.
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Odds
2026 NBA Finals - Odds
Player | Odds | Implied Chance |
|---|---|---|
San Antonio Spurs | 1/2 | 66.7% |
New York Knicks | 13/8 | 38.1% |
Form Guides
San Antonio Spurs form guide
When Victor Wembanyama was taken first overall in the 2023 NBA draft it was widely viewed as the most exciting pick since LeBron James entered the league two decades earlier. We can now safely say the 7ft 4in French phenomenon has justified that hype!
After leading his side to a 4-1 triumph over Portland and a 4-2 defeat of Minnesota , Wembanyama was sensational in the 4-3 Western Conference Finals win over the Thunder . From scoring 41 points in the series opener to helping the Spurs twice come from behind prior to a 111-103 Game 7 victory in Oklahoma City , the centre answered every question put to him.
Stephon Castle , Dylan Harper , De’Aaron Fox and Julian Champagnie have also shone for this young, energetic outfit, but there is no doubt who San Antonio’s talisman is, even at the tender age of 22. With home advantage in Game 1, Wembanyama will be well backed to score over 27.5 points at 5/6.
New York Knicks Form Guide
The Knicks do know they have the defensive game to stifle San Antonio’s athletic attack, though, having prevailed in two of their three previous meetings this term, notably dominating a March 1st Madison Square Garden rout which ended 114-89 in their favour.
New York made a stuttering start to the play-offs and even trailed the Atlanta Hawks 2-1 at one stage, but boy have they built up some momentum since then. A hat-trick of convincing victories saw them ultimately take that series 4-2 before the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers were both blitzed 4-0.
The Knicks have outscored their opponents by 262 points during an 11-game hot streak, with 29-year-old point guard Jalen Brunson justifying his star status. Head coach Mike Brown also has good strength in depth to call on, with Karl-Anthony Towns coming good of late and Josh Hart providing some useful contributions.
One big debate ahead of Game 1 in Texas is whether the Spurs will be drained by their titanic tussle with Oklahoma City , or could the Knicks need this outing after nine days of inactivity? We just feel New York may be caught a little cold at Frost Bank Center , so 31/10 for San Antonio to oblige by 6-10 points takes the eye for our NBA Finals betting tips .
Betting Tips
2026 NBA Finals Betting Tips
San Antonio to be champions @ 1/2
Victor Wembanyama over 27.5 points @ 5/6
San Antonio to win by 6-10 points @ 31/10
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