The 2026 NBA Finals are set to tip off, featuring a compelling matchup between the surging New York Knicks and the resurgent San Antonio Spurs. New York enters the series riding an impressive postseason winning streak, while San Antonio is chasing its first NBA championship since 2014.
For the Knicks, a trip to the Finals marks a historic opportunity. The franchise has not won an NBA title since the 1973 season, when it defeated the Los Angeles Lakers to capture its second championship. This year, after dropping two games to the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round of the playoffs, New York responded in dominant fashion, reeling off 10 consecutive victories to secure its place on basketball’s biggest stage.
The Spurs’ path to the Finals was far less straightforward. San Antonio showed resilience throughout the Western Conference playoffs, culminating in a dramatic comeback series victory over the heavily favored Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. Now, with both teams carrying momentum and championship aspirations, the stage is set for an exciting battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals – Game 1 Odds
Heading into Game 1, the Spurs are slight favorites as they open the NBA Finals on their home court. However, oddsmakers expect the lines to shift throughout the series as momentum, injuries, and individual performances influence betting markets.
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Spread: Knicks +4.5 (-105), Spurs -4.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Knicks +165, Spurs -195
- Total Points: Over 218.5 (-110), Under 218.5 (-110)
While traditional wagers such as point spreads, moneylines, and totals remain the most popular betting options, online sportsbooks offer a variety of additional ways to bet on the NBA. Live betting allows bettors to place wagers throughout the game as odds fluctuate with every quarter, possession, and momentum swing. Player prop bets are also a major attraction, giving fans the opportunity to wager on individual player performances, such as points scored, rebounds, assists, and other statistical milestones.
Beyond single-game wagers, sportsbooks also offer series props, including predictions on the Finals MVP, total games played in the series, and whether the Knicks or Spurs will capture the 2026 NBA Championship. With two evenly matched teams competing for basketball’s biggest prize, bettors can expect plenty of value and betting opportunities throughout the series.
Future Odds
Basketball betting and future odds become especially popular during the NBA Finals because bettors don’t have to wait long for their wagers to be decided. While the odds are typically less favorable than those available at the start of the playoffs or series, the reduced uncertainty also means significantly less risk.
Current championship futures have the Spurs installed as favorites to win the 2026 NBA Finals, reflecting both their home-court advantage and strong finish to the Western Conference playoffs. However, those backing the Knicks may find value in the underdog odds. New York enters the series with considerable momentum after winning 10 consecutive playoff games and has proven capable of exceeding expectations throughout its postseason run.
As the series unfolds, futures markets are expected to adjust after each game, creating opportunities for bettors to capitalize on shifting odds and changing perceptions of both teams’ championship chances.
Championship 2025-26 – Champion
- San Antonio Spurs -200
- New York Knicks +170
Note: Odds provided by Bovada’s online sportsbook. To learn more about the site and a full list of sportsbook wagering options, see our site review here: https://onlinegambling21.com/reviews/bovada-sportsbook/