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/

Sources:

• ESPN.com

Right now, the Oklahoma City Thunder are sitting at the top as the betting favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. They put together an incredible 64–18 regular season and didn’t slow down at all in the first round, cruising through with a clean sweep. That kind of momentum definitely matters this time of year, and bettors have taken notice.

That said, the semifinals are a different beast. The competition is tougher, adjustments get sharper, and sometimes the teams that had to grind through a longer first round come in a little more battle-tested. Matchups, injuries, and coaching decisions—this is where all of that starts to swing both games and betting lines.

So as we head into this next round, we’ll take a look at the updated futures odds, break down the game lines for each series, and talk through some angles and insights that can help you make smarter bets.

Futures

If you’re looking to bet on NBA odds right now, this is one of the best times of the year to do it—especially if you like futures. With the playoffs already deep into the later rounds, you’re not sitting on a ticket for months. The turnaround is quick, and the value can still be there if you read the board right.

At the top, the Oklahoma City Thunder are leading the way in both championship and Western Conference futures, which makes sense given how dominant they’ve been all season and into the playoffs. But when you’re betting NBA odds, it’s not always about taking the favorite—it’s about spotting where the number doesn’t fully match the reality. That’s where a team like the San Antonio Spurs comes in. They’ve been playing really solid basketball and could absolutely line up with OKC in the Conference Finals. If you believe in that matchup, there could be value in grabbing the Spurs now before the odds tighten.

Over in the East, things feel a lot less certain. The Detroit Pistons earned the number one seed, but their shaky first-round series against Orlando definitely raised some red flags. Oddsmakers adjusted quickly, and now you’re seeing them sitting around +1800 to win the title. That kind of drop shows there’s less confidence in them than a typical top seed, which can open the door for bettors to either fade them or look for value elsewhere in the conference.

When you’re betting on basketball at this stage, it really comes down to balancing risk and timing—favorites are safer, but the real payoff often comes from catching the right team before everyone else does.

Note: See our OnlineGambling21 basketball betting guide to learn more about wagering on the postseason and other popular leagues around the world.

Championship 2025-26 – Futures

• Oklahoma City Thunder -145
• San Antonio Spurs +375
• New York Knicks +1000
• Detroit Pistons +1800
• Los Angeles Lakers +1800
• Cleveland Cavaliers +2000
• Philadelphia 76ers +3500
• Minnesota Timberwolves +8000

Conferences – Eastern Conference (1) – Winner

• New York Knicks+145
• Detroit Pistons+250
• Cleveland Cavaliers+325
• Philadelphia 76ers+600

Conferences – Western Conference (1) – Winner

• Oklahoma City Thunder-225
• San Antonio Spurs+225
• Los Angeles Lakers+1600
• Minnesota Timberwolves+5000

NBA Game Lines For Conference Semifinals

The Conference Semifinals tip off on May 4th with a pair of high-stakes matchups, officially ushering in one of the most competitive stretches of the NBA postseason. At this point, every team left has proven it belongs—but separating contenders from pretenders becomes much clearer in this round.

In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks enter as the early favorites to punch their tickets to the Conference Finals. Detroit’s top seed still carries weight despite some first-round struggles, while the Knicks have positioned themselves as a more steady, reliable threat. Out West, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs leading the charge. The Thunder’s dominance all season makes them the team to beat, but the Spurs’ current form suggests they’re more than capable of disrupting expectations.

That said, the semifinals are where the playoffs truly tighten up. The pace slows, adjustments become sharper, and every possession carries more weight. It’s no longer just about talent—it’s about execution, depth, and who can handle pressure the best. One bad stretch can swing a game, and one lost game can completely shift a series.

In a true win-or-go-home environment, the intensity rises, the margins shrink, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is where stars take over, role players become difference-makers, and championship paths are either solidified—or cut short.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks

• Spread: 76ers +7.5 (-120) | Knicks -7.5 (EVEN)
• Moneyline (Win): 76ers +230 | Knicks -280
• Total: Over 213.5 (-110) | Under 213.5 (-110)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs

• Spread: Timberwolves +13.0 (-110) | Spurs -13.0 (-110)
• Moneyline (Win): Timberwolves +460 | Spurs -675
• Total: Over 218.0 (-110) | Under 218.0 (-110)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons

• Spread: Cavaliers +3.0 (-105) | Pistons -3.0 (-115)
• Moneyline (Win): Cavaliers +130 | Pistons -150
• Total: Over 214.5 (-110) | Under 214.5 (-110)

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Spread: Lakers +16.0 (-115) | Thunder -16.0 (-105)
• Moneyline (Win): Lakers +725 | Thunder -1300
• Total: Over 213.5 (-110) | Under 213.5 (-110)

Sources:

• ESPN.com
• Bovada (odds)

This year’s festivities are more than just a game; it’s a full-on showcase. On Friday, fans will see the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and Rising Stars games, great opportunities to catch up-and-coming talent and watch entertainers and athletes alike take the court.

Saturday is electric with All-Star Saturday Night, featuring the 3-Point Contest, Shooting Stars, and the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, each drawing its own crowd of fans and online basketball betting interest.

New Format For 2026

This Sunday, the NBA is shaking things up in a big way. Instead of the classic East vs. West showdown that fans have grown used to, the 2026 NBA All-Star Game will feature a round-robin mini-tournament with three squads: USA Stripes, USA Stars, and Team World.

Here’s how it works: rather than a single long exhibition game, the teams will compete in a series of shorter matchups, with opponents rotating in a round-robin format. Each game will be played to a set target score, meaning no coasting through the quarters and no waiting until the fourth quarter to turn up the intensity. Every possession matters right away. The two teams with the best results advance to a championship finale, where one group will walk away with All-Star bragging rights.

The format also adds an interesting layer to roster construction. USA Stars is stacked with some of the league’s biggest household names, the kind of players who headline commercials and MVP conversations. USA Stripes counters with elite talent of its own, blending superstars and rising standouts who are eager to prove they belong on the same stage. Then there’s Team World, representing the NBA’s global takeover.

How to Watch & Catch Every Moment

Whether you’re cozying up at home or gathering at a watch party, here’s how you can see it all unfold:

• TV Broadcast: NBC will air the marquee games and marquee events live.
• Streaming: Peacock offers live streaming of the entire weekend, from Rising Stars to Sunday’s championship.

You’ll want to check your local listings, but the action spans multiple platforms, meaning old-school cable viewers and streaming fans alike won’t miss a beat.

The schedule is paced so that each night has its own excitement:

• Friday: Celebrity Game & Rising Stars
• Saturday: Skills competitions and dunk contests
• Sunday: The All-Star Game tournament and championship

Odds, MVP Buzz & Who’s Favored

Now for the fun part, the NBA betting lines and odds that have fans and bettors buzzing this year.

The 3-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest generate their own odds and bets from fans, often based on reputation, past performance, and how well players’ current seasons are going. Below are the current odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook for the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Slam Dunk Contest Winner

• Jase Richardson (ORL) +200
• Carter Bryant (SAS) +225
• Jaxson Hayes (LAL) +260
• Keshad Johnson (MIA) +350

Three Point Contest Winner

• Kon Knueppel (CHA) +275
• Damian Lillard (BOS) +450
• Jamal Murray (DEN) +600
• Donovan Mitchell (CLE) +650
• Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +700
• Devin Booker (PHX) +750
• Norman Powell (MIA) +800
• Bobby Portis (MIL) +1200

All-Star MVP

• Victor Wembanyama (SAS) +450
• Jaylen Brown (BOS) +1000
• Luka Doncic (LAL) +1000
• Cade Cunningham (DET) +1100
• Tyrese Maxey (PHI) +1200