The stage is set for the 2026 NBA Finals, with the San Antonio Spurs finally joining the New York Knicks on the grandest stage. Will the Spurs take Game 1 despite a shorter rest than New York? Or, will the Knicks steal Game 1 on the road?

Catch this game live on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

Away: New York Knicks (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Josh Hart
  • Mikal Bridges
  • OG Anunoby
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

For the first time in nearly 30 years, the Knicks are going dancing in the NBA Finals, but they still need four more wins to end a much longer drought, as they last won the league championship in 1973. Through three rounds in the playoffs, the Knicks have proven they have what it takes to get the job done. 

After avoiding a first-round upset against the Atlanta Hawks, New York went full “walis-walis” mode versus the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. With those sweeps, the Knicks enter the NBA Finals with much fresher legs than San Antonio. While the Spurs played 18 games in the first three rounds, the Knicks have been in only 14. 

Plus, New York has a longer rest in between the conference finals and the NBA Finals. New York’s offense also presents a big problem for the Spurs. Among all playoff teams, the Knicks are tops with a 123.3 offensive rating with a 59.2 eFG% and 62.4 TS% — both No. 1 in the postseason as well.

Home: San Antonio Spurs (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • De’Aaron Fox
  • Stephon Castle
  • Devin Vassell
  • Julian Champagnie
  • Victor Wembanyama 

While Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs took a longer route to the Finals than the Knicks, it can’t be denied that they gained significant experience and confidence throughout their postseason journey. That series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder said so much about the Spurs’ poise despite their youth. 

Wembanyama was a force in that series, where he averaged 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks while shooting 40.0 percent from behind the arc — just an absurd number for someone of his size. The Spurs revolve around Wemby, but there’s more to the team than just the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. 

De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper make for a great supporting cast for Wembanyama, while the likes of Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson are capable providers with the potential to come out of nowhere and put up a big game. And while the Knicks have the rest advantage, San Antonio will enjoy a homecourt edge in Game 1 (and Game 2). 

Picks

Spread: San Antonio Spurs (-4.5)
Over/Under: Under (218.5)