Basketball bettors can party like it’s 1999 when the New York Knicks collide with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
Game 1 finally gets going Wednesday night in Texas, and if everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, then I’m going big with my Knicks vs. Spurs same-game parlay.
I like New York to keep it closer than oddsmakers expect, leaning on their two biggest stars to make a stand in San Antonio.
Here are my best NBA picks and SGP predictions for Knicks vs. Spurs on June 3.
Our best Knicks vs Spurs SGP for Game 1
SGP leg #1: Knicks +4.5
The New York Knicks have been patiently waiting for 10 days for the NBA Finals. I’m buying into “rest” over “rust”, especially after the Knicks came out flat in Game 1 of the ECF following an extended break. Fool me twice, right?
New York has a solid defensive rotation to throw at San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in this series, utilizing OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mitchell Robinson to keep the 7-footer out of rhythm. On top of that, the Knicks can knock it down from downtown – unlike OKC.
SGP leg #2: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 threes
Jalen Brunson leads the 3-point barrage. The Spurs did a great job dulling an attacking SGA, but Brunson is a better outside threat, and if San Antonio plays passive perimeter defense again, he’ll make the most of the extra space. Brunson did shoot 10 for 24 from distance (42%) in three meetings with San Antonio this season.
The Spurs also lack size to throw at Brunson, who has had to shoot over longer defenders in past series. With Wembanyama packing the paint, New York has to hit from outside to create space, and Brunson’s projections lean toward three triples in Game 1.
SGP leg #3: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 4.5 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns has been a conduit for the Knicks’ offense in the postseason, thriving as a passer at the top of the key. He’s averaging double his regular-season assists and has dished out five or more dimes in nine of his last 11 postseason games.
Projections top out at 3.5 assists from KAT, but with Wembanyama likely checking Josh Hart, in order to hang around the rim, Towns faces smaller defenders than what the Cavs threw at him, and can easily see open cutters in space over the top.
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Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs. Spurs predictions for Game 1.
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