INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MAY 27: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks huddles with his team during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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The NBA Finals get an attractive matchup this year, although remember, we dont need big markets for a good series, just see Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals last night.
Two teams who many considered to be a year or two away from being in this position will tip off in San Antonio, with the Spurs hosting the New York Knicks tonight in Game 1.
Some good individual matchups will provide some nice betting options. We’ll start with New York and everything you need to know.
Odds courtesy of Caesar’s Sportsbook.
The Knicks against the spread have been money in the playoffs. Beating the Hawks 4-2 in round one saw the Knicks go 3-3 ATS after a couple of uneven performances early. Sweeps over a Philadelphia and Cleveland saw New York cover all eight contests. Most of them weren’t close either. An 11-3 record ATS is amazing money. Tonight they are a 4.5 point underdog.
Two things here: the Knicks are rested. San Antonio comes out of a tough Western Conference playoff gauntlet and they impressed. The East wasn’t very good. Confidence is at an all time high in New York. On the road for game one is daunting for anyone. We’ll see if the Knicks are up for it. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns must play huge for the entire series. They may need time to settle in.
Prediction: Lay the points and take San Antonio.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks reacts after a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 25, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Individual betting props
Karl-Anthony Towns is the key to the entire series. Offensively he must be able to draw Victor Wembanyama away from the basket. Towns can shoot from outside and work mid range. The underneath must be open and available for the Knicks to get some easy buckets and get the occasional offensive rebound. Defensively he must limit the Spurs front court whatever his assignment is. A double double is expected every game. Towns will bring the effort.
15+ rebounds (+220)
3+ three point field goals (+330)
Jalen Brunson has a point to prove. Too small….can’t be the number one guy. He’s heard it all. Yet he’s kicking the crap out of everybody this postseason and won’t stop here. If the Knicks pull this off he’s the reason why. I want to see him control the floor in addition to getting buckets. He’ll settle in after some early nerves and deliver big numbers.
Points +30 (+166)
Assists 10+ (+380)
Double double (+375)
Series MVP (+185)
A big series is needed from these two guys to get the Knicks over the hump. Sam Antonio is deeper, battle tested and has home court advantage.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter in Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Special props
Josh Hart to record a triple double (+650)
New York sports fans are accustomed to supporting players (Bucky Dent, David Tyree) becoming legends in the biggest of moments. Josh Hart, you’re up.
One or more games go to overtime (+210)
Definitely see this happening, more than likely in New York.
Jalen Brunson to score 50+ in any game in the series (+1100)
The kid will become immortal if this happens and the Knicks win the championship. An unlikely outcome but a good value bet.
Danhausen curses the Spurs (-100000)
IYKYK
This article was originally published on Forbes.com