NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 1, 2026, 8:55 AM ET

NBA Finals Preview

The NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will feature one of the most intriguing matchups in recent memory, with analysts examining how the Knicks can contain Victor Wembanyama on both ends of the court while Jalen Brunson attempts to defy conventional wisdom about smaller guards. The Spurs eliminated the defending champion Thunder in Game 7 with a 111-103 victory, powered by Wembanyama's 22 points and seven rebounds. Despite losing the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander called his MVP season a failure after the team was eliminated without a chance to defend their title. The Finals will feature unique court designs with the Larry O'Brien Trophy image painted at midcourt and the script logo for "The Finals" on either side of the court.

Betting and Odds

Despite being underdogs in the betting markets, the Knicks have attracted nearly half of all money wagered on the NBA Finals winner at Draft Kings Sportsbook in New York, almost matching the combined amount wagered on every other team. However, oddsmakers have installed the Spurs as favorites to win the championship, creating an interesting dichotomy between betting public sentiment and professional bookmaker predictions. The series has drawn significant political interest as well, with President Donald Trump planning to attend an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next month.

Knicks' Journey to the Finals

The Knicks' improbable run to the Finals was fueled by bold moves and a coaching change that transformed the franchise's trajectory. Key to their success has been center Mitchell Robinson, who plans to play in Game 1 despite undergoing surgery on his broken right pinky finger, though he'll wear a brace on his hand. The team's aggressive approach in the regular season and playoffs has paid dividends as they prepare to face the Spurs in what many consider an unexpected Finals matchup.

Offseason Approaches

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