Knicks Rally in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals Against Spurs

3 weeks ago 0

The New York Knicks pulled off an impressive victory in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals. They recovered from a 14-point deficit in the second half to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95. Despite this setback, the Spurs are still strong contenders to level the series.

As of Friday afternoon, the Spurs are favored by the betting site FanDuel. They have a -225 moneyline and are -6.5 favorites on a total of 215.5. I recommend considering New York +6, down to +5, if you are placing bets. Previously, I anticipated the Knicks winning the title with odds of +170 and by at least 1.5 games with odds of +270. This makes betting on the Spurs as favorites unappealing this series.

Game 2 Betting Insights

What makes me hesitant about taking the points with the Knicks in Game 2 is the profitable trend of backing the home favorite after losing the series opener. History shows that the home team often comes back strong in Game 2.

Instead, I have decided to focus on the total score, opting for the UNDER 215.5, down to +212. Here’s the reasoning behind this decision.

Evaluation for Game 2 Total: UNDER 215.5

The idea of betting the Over in Game 2 stems from a zigzag strategy. This approach suggests betting the opposite of the first game’s outcome, which saw the Knicks win 105-95, going way under the 217.5 total.

Both teams may shoot better in Game 2 as they adjust to the venue. The series opener was fast-paced, so effective shooting might favor the Over. However, Game 1’s underperformance is more about strong defensive play than poor shooting. Only one quarter had over 50 points.

Defense Holds the Key

San Antonio’s defense was rigorous, challenging Jalen Brunson’s shots. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson effectively contained Victor Wembanyama, demonstrating their defensive skills.

New York’s defensive wings, including Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, known as Wingstop, played a pivotal role. They minimized Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox’s impact, while San Antonio had Julian Champagnie help contain Brunson.

Defensive Strategy and Game Dynamics

As the series advances, expect more defensive battles than high-scoring duels. The Spurs should slow the pace, avoiding a shootout with the Knicks, as their offense isn’t suited for it. New York excels in a slower, half-court offense.

Throughout the series, expect few easy scores due to low offensive turnover rates and high defensive rebounding rates on both sides, limiting points off turnovers and second-chance scoring.

I’m holding off on finalizing my bet on the Under until closer to the game. Public trends often drive the total upward near game time, particularly during the finals.