The 2026 NBA Finals begin Wednesday night at 8:30 PM ET on ABC, featuring a compelling matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. Both franchises chase long-awaited championships - the Knicks haven't won since 1973 while the Spurs aim to end a 12-year drought. This marks the eighth straight season with a new champion.

The teams already met in the NBA Cup this season, where New York emerged victorious in Las Vegas. Now they clash for the ultimate prize: the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Our panel of experts overwhelmingly favors one side, with San Antonio Spurs selections dominating the predictions. Ten of eleven experts pick San Antonio to win, suggesting significant confidence in Gregg Popovich's squad despite the Knicks' recent head-to-head advantage.

When it comes to Finals MVP, the vote is equally lopsided. Victor Wembanyama claims ten MVP votes compared to just three for Jalen Brunson, reflecting expectations that the rookie phenom could dominate the series. Most pundits project a six or seven-game series, with only one foreseeing a swift Spurs victory in five games.

The expert consensus reveals a clear favorite in what promises to be a historic championship run, regardless of which team ultimately hoists the trophy.