The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks enter the NBA Finals with momentum and plenty of storylines. The Spurs captured the attention of the basketball world by going into Oklahoma City and winning Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, thanks to teamwide contributions, clutch shots and the all-around efforts of superstar Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs (-205) head into Game 1 on Wednesday as the favorites to win the series over the Knicks.
But New York cannot be overlooked. The Knicks are well-rested, having swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals, and have rattled off 11 consecutive wins by an average of 23.8 points.
What should you expect in this 1999 Finals rematch? What are the bets to make before it begins? Andre Snellings, Eric Moody, Eric Karabell, Jim McCormick and Steve Alexander offer the analysis behind their favorite bets for the series.
Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
San Antonio Spurs 4-3 (+320): The Spurs can win this series if Wembanyama stays aggressive, controls his space and forces the Knicks to defend him downhill. San Antonio's guards also have to handle New York's pressure without losing their dribble penetration. If the Spurs' defense stalls the Knicks and creates transition chances, they have a real path to their first title since 2014. -- Moody