Publication Date: June 3, 2026, 12:56h.

Updated on: June 3, 2026, 01:06h.

• San Antonio Spurs are favored against the New York Knicks in tonight’s match.
• Victor Wembanyama is the leading MVP contender for the NBA Finals.
• The Knicks, returning from a 10-day rest, boast an 11-game playoff winning streak.

The New York Knicks, aiming for their first NBA championship since 1973, enter Game 1 of the NBA Finals as 4.5-point underdogs against the San Antonio Spurs this evening.

Knicks Face Underdog Status

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX. The main injury concern is Knicks’ center Mitchell Robinson, who is a game-time decision due to a broken finger. Reports indicate that Robinson participated fully in yesterday’s practice and is expected to play tonight.

The Spurs are favored thanks to the standout performance of their 7-foot-4 forward, Victor Wembanyama. However, they’ve just completed a hard-fought seven-game series against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, which concluded Saturday.

In contrast, the Knicks last played on May 25, sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in four straight games, and they are currently riding an impressive 11-game playoff winning streak.

Bets Favoring the Knicks

According to BetMGM this morning, the Spurs are the betting favorites for Game 1 at -185 on the Moneyline, with the Knicks on the other side at +150, attracting 67% of the bets and 54% of the handle. DraftKings shows the same odds with the Spurs at -185 and the Knicks at +154.

On the BetMGM Spread, the Spurs are -4.5, receiving 61% of the bets and 67% of the handle, while the Knicks are +4.5. The Over/Under is set at 218.5, with 63% of bets and 69% of the handle leaning towards the Over. DraftKings echoes the same odds with Spurs -4.5 at -112 and Knicks +4.5 at -108.

“The Spurs possess the top player and have the more cohesive team, solidifying their position as favorites in the NBA Finals,” stated Anthony Parenti, Sports Trader at BetMGM. “The sportsbook will be rooting for the Knicks due to the stakes involved with San Antonio being a major liability on the futures book.”

Wembanyama Leads MVP Betting

MVP odds at BetMGM see Knicks’ Jalen Brunson at +200 contending against Wembanyama at -170. Brunson is attracting a significant amount of attention, with 17.8% of the bets and 24.6% of the handle.

“So far, the betting activity for this series has been fairly even,” remarked David Lieberman, Pro Basketball Lead at Caesars Sportsbook. “In terms of ticket sales, the Knicks have garnered a 2:1 advantage, while the Spurs have garnered slightly more money overall.”

“This matchup is likely the finest we could hope for in the Finals, and it promises to be an exciting series to follow.”

Current Trending Player Props

At the Ontario and Lottery Corporation’s Proline sportsbooks, 55% of bets are placed on the Spurs to secure a Game 1 victory, with 66% favoring the Spurs -4.5 on the point spread. Seventy percent of bettors are predicting the game to exceed 218 points.

“They are a strong team,” Wembanyama told the Associated Press about the Knicks. “A team full of seasoned players who have earned their spot through consistent hard work over the years. Each member has traveled different paths in their careers. They truly belong here, in my view.”

As per BetMGM, the most popular player props include Devin Vassell Over 3.5 first-quarter points at +125, and Luke Kornet Over 5.5 total points, rebounds, and assists at -135. Other notable props are Karl-Anthony Towns Under 33.5 total points, rebounds, and assists at -140, Julian Champagnie Over 9.5 points at -125, and OG Anunoby Under 16.5 points at -135.

FanDuel has the Spurs at -190 to clinch the Finals, while the Knicks are at +160.