Youthful Spurs favored over red-hot Knicks in NBA Finals

Field Level Media|published: Sun 31st May, 12:17 2026

Mar 1, 2026; New York, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dunks over New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The 2026 NBA Finals features one team on an 11-game winning streak and another led by a 7-foot-4 wunderkind.

The New York Knicks, who have been idle since sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference final on May 25, are returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. They were opposed that year by the San Antonio Spurs, who defeated the Knicks in five games to win their first of five NBA titles under then-coach Gregg Popovich.

Underdogs then, New York has an uphill battle again in its bid to lift the championship trophy for the first time since 1973. The Jalen Brunson-led Knicks are listed at +170 by both BetMGM and DraftKings, while the Spurs -- headlined by 22-year-old Victor Wembanyama -- are listed at -210 by the former and -205 by the latter.

Wembanyama collected 22 points and seven rebounds on Saturday, helping San Antonio secure a 111-103 win over reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference final.

The Spurs, who are vying for their first title in 12 years, host the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.

New York split two games with San Antonio on the regular season but defeated the Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup Final on Dec. 16.

--Field Level Media

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