San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks: NBA Finals Game 3 Preview and Predictions
Wembanyama has 55 points through two games and the Spurs are still down 0-2. Something has to change.
The New York Knicks haven’t lost in well over a month. They kept their invincible streak going with two wins in San Antonio to claim a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. But it took this Monday’s homecoming date at Madison Square Garden, set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. EST, to turn the Knickerbockers into consensus favorites to conquer the San Antonio Spurs.
New York endured a gritty, grueling Game 2 to prevail 105-104 on Friday night. Superstar guard Jalen Brunson, who scored just 20 points by going 7-of-25 from the field, was buoyed by an incredible performance from teammate Karl-Anthony Towns. The latter big man produced a 21-point double-double, circling beyond the arc to swish three of five three-point attempts. The Knicks’ 11 steals made up for their icy shooting in the second half.
Some of San Antonio’s cagers superficially improved on the scoresheet. Inconsistent guard De’Aaron Fox went 8-of-12 and scored 20 points, but he finished as only a plus-two. Victor Wembanyama’s 29 points led Game 2’s scoring, yet the 7-foot-4 phenom was criticized as shying away from tough contact, and finding himself shell-shocked against the veteran Towns. Wembanyama missed two potential go-ahead buckets with time running out.
Betting Trends: New York’s Odds are Still Tentative
At long last, the Knicks are drawing favorites’ betting odds in the NBA Finals. New York’s double-digit win streak has helped the Knicks become (-500) DraftKings favorites to win the 2026 NBA crown. New York also boasts minus-odds to win Monday’s Game 3.
Look at Game 3’s point spread, however, and it’s clear that Las Vegas is as stubborn as ever when it comes to its prior analysis of two opponents. The Knicks are spotting (-2.5) points to the Spurs, a small, standard margin inspired by New York’s advantages at MSG. In other words, bookmakers still view the clubs as evenly matched at a hypothetical neutral site.
Why do NBA playoff odds defy the evidence of final scores? Early in the postseason, having a 2-0 series lead causes certain teams to take their feet off the gas. In the final round, it’s another story. The Knicks intend to win Game 3 by more than a handful of points, even if Wemby has a better night for the Spurs. If New York clinches the championship in four games, Vegas may still offer an (Ev) spread on “Game 5” as an act of sheer rebellion.
Game 3 Injury Reports
Spurs forward David Jones remains out with an ankle injury.
Prediction: Knicks Live Bets are Halftime Winners
Monday’s meeting may become yet another Knicks-Spurs game in which San Antonio takes a midgame lead, and cannot hold onto it through the fourth quarter. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is likely to devise a fresh game plan to take pressure off Wembanyama and San Antonio’s other young ballers. Whatever the Spurs attempt will have a small margin for error.
Will the Spurs eschew offensive boards in a bid to set their defense consistently? While that would restrict Towns and the Knicks offense, it would put the Spurs in peril as soon as the Knicks’ superior guards happened to heat up from downtown. If San Antonio’s new plan goes in a different direction, giving the tentative Wemby even more freedom on the offensive end, it would only take a couple of turnovers to get MSG roaring.
Anticipate a halftime live-bet on the Knicks spread winning if the 24:00 score is tight, or especially if the Spurs hold another impressive lead after two quarters. If the Knicks are lucky enough to lead by 10-plus points at the half, a live spread pick could still pay off.
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