New York Knicks bring an 11-game playoff win streak into San Antonio, but the Spurs remain 4.5-point home favourites
It’s a great time to be a sports fan – and a sports bettor.
Last night was Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, with the Vegas Golden Knights eking out a 5-4 upset win over the Carolina Hurricanes, in Raleigh, NC, now taking control of what will no doubt be a long best-of-seven series.
I was sure the Hurricanes would take Game 1, and had them on the Moneyline, but give credit to Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella, who during a TV timeout after the Vegas went down 2-0 in the first period gave his team the right pep talk, and his words went right to the players’ internal battery chargers.
Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore scored a few minutes after that, and the Golden Knights were on their way. Great coaching by Tortorella.
Tonight it’s the NBA’s turn – Game 1 of the Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks haven’t won an NBA title since 1973. The San Antonio Spurs last won a title in 2014, led by Tim Duncan in his prime, and just a few years ago were tanking so they could land the first-round pick and take 7-foot-4 forward Victor Wembanyama, a full-on league superstar now.
Wembanyama is averaging 23.2 PPG, 10.8 rebounds per game, with a 51.0 FG%, 37.0 3P% in the playoffs.
The big question mark for bettors tonight is the health of Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson, who has a broken finger, and is a game-time-decision.
BEST BETS
New York Knicks at San Antonio Spurs, 8:30 p.m. EST, Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
In NBA betting at Betway, the Spurs are Moneyline favourites at -190, Knicks at +160. The Spurs are -4.5 on the spread (-110), the Knicks +4.5 (-110). The Over/Under is 219.5 (O -105, U -115).
New York Knicks +4.5 (-110)
The Knicks bring an 11-game playoff win streak into the cozy confines of Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, TX, yet the Spurs still are 4.5-point favourites.
I am leaning a Spurs win in Game 1, but the Knicks are rested (10 days off after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers), and the Spurs finished off the Oklahoma City Thunder in an emotional, drawn-out seven-game series.
Fresh legs matter in Game 1.
Knicks won 2-of-3 regular season matchups, including blowing them out 124-113 and winning the NBA Cup final. They know how to play this team.
Their strengths against the Spurs come down to physicality on the boards, elite shooting talent, led by Jalen Brunson (26.9 post-season PPG, 35.2 3P%, 48.6 FG%), low turnovers, and a well-coached, gritty defence that’s going to make life hard on Wemby.
Jalen Brunson Over 25 Points (-150)
He’s rested, plus the Knicks lean on him offensively. He’s averaging close to 27 points per game this playoff season and consistently elevates his performance in marquee matchups like this one.
If Robinson is heathy, combined with Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks can be elite on the offensive boards, creating more second-chance for scorers like Brunson.
I am even considering 30+ Points, at +175 at Betway, if the Knicks cover.
Victor Wembanyama Over 12 Rebounds (-150)
He’s by far the biggest physical advantage for the Spurs, maybe for both teams, and he’s been averaging close to this number for the entire Spurs’ playoff run up to this point.
Under 218.5 (-110)
This feels a touch high, considering the Spurs’ stingy defence, with Wemby protecting the rim, dramatically reducing the number of easy baskets by the Knicks.
The Knicks boast the NBA’s best playoff defence (allowing just 100.6 points per game and holding opponents to 43.7% shooting).
Both teams excel at rebounding and forcing turnovers. That extends possessions and reduces scoring opportunities. Sharp bettors see this one hitting the Under as well.
