Spurs Look to Even Series
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs Betting Analysis
The NBA Finals saw the Knicks topple the Spurs in the opener. Game 2 is on Friday in Texas. The Knicks are 6-point underdogs despite their 12-game winning streak in the postseason. Odds for NBA Finals have New York at +190 on the moneyline. San Antonio is -225. The total is 216½, which feels high given how tough the defense was in the opener.
Knicks Suddenly Become Favorites
It is only one game, but that was enough for the BetUS sportsbook oddsmakers to swing the favoritism to New York. The Knicks are -125 if you bet on NBA Finals heading into the second game. San Antonio is +105.
That makes one think that people are starting to believe this Knicks team is for real. When the teams played in 1999 for the championship, San Antonio won in five games. It doesn’t feel like NBA history will repeat itself here, but it only takes one game to swing momentum when it comes to NBA odds for championship.
And it also only takes one injury. Game 1 saw the Knicks face a scare in the first half when Brunson went to the locker room after suffering what appeared to be a knee and ankle issue. He came back and, after the game, said the injury report would not see him on it.
Jalen Brunson took 31 shots and hit 12 in the opener, including only 2-of-9 from 3-point range. However, the way he took over the game and led New York to victory on the road has led to the guard becoming the favorite in NBA Finals MVP odds.
On the Spurs’ side, Wemby limped off the court after bumping knees with New York’s Josh Hart. He waved off the trainer and was good enough to play 38 minutes and show no ill effects.
A player on the San Antonio Spurs to keep an eye on in the NBA player props world is Julian Champagnie. He had five 3-pointers in the first half. He went silent after the break, but at +129 for 13 points or more, he looks like a smart play.
