🏀 NBA Finals Look-Ahead Odds & Predictions 2026: Can Anyone Stop the Knicks?
The Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time since the iPod was released (yes, I said iPod, not even the iPhone). Whether they face the Thunder or Spurs, our 2026 NBA Finals look-ahead odds and predictions will give you a head start on the action, with betting lines, previews, and picks for each hypothetical series.
π NBA Finals look-ahead odds 2026
All betting odds via DraftKings.
NBA championship outright odds
| Team π | Odds π | Implied probability π |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder | -145 | 59.18% |
| Knicks | +210 | 32.26% |
| Spurs | +550 | 15.38% |
Thunder vs. Knicks look-ahead odds: NBA Finals
- Series price: Thunder -265 | Knicks +215
- Game 1 look-ahead line: Thunder -6.5 (O/U 216.5) in Oklahoma City
Spurs vs. Knicks look-ahead odds: NBA Finals
- Series price: Spurs -225 | Knicks +185
- Game 1 look-ahead line: Spurs -4.5 (O/U 217.5) in San Antonio
(Note: If you place a wager on a hypothetical matchup at DraftKings and the teams donβt face each other, your bet will be voided.)
βοΈ Thunder vs. Knicks preview & odds breakdown
Follow all of our NBA analysis and expert predictions this season.
The Thunder are looking to become the first team to win back-to-back championships since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018, but even if they get by the Spurs - the No. 2 seed in the West - they would still have to face the hottest team in the playoffs: the Knicks.
With the Knicks outscoring opponents at a greater rate than the Thunder did during their championship run last season, let's dive into these teams' current postseason stats:
| Thunder | Playoff stat | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| 11-2 | W-L | 12-2 β |
| 8-5 | ATS | 11-3 β |
| 10-3 | O/U | 8-6 |
| 120.1 | Offensive rating | 123.3 β |
| 109.4 | Defensive rating | 103.5 β |
| 10.7 | Net rating | 19.8 β |
| 62.3 β | Assist % | 61.3 |
| 50.3 | Rebounding % | 54.8 β |
| 13.1 β | Turnover ratio | 14.0 |
| 55.8 | Effective field goal % | 59.2 β |
The Knicks having superior stats in the playoffs wonβt make them the favorite over the Thunder - barring a major injury - as Oklahoma City has had a higher power ranking in the market dating back to last season. Not only did the Thunder open with the shortest NBA championship odds last summer, but they also led the NBA in wins, defensive rating, and net rating during the regular season.
📈 Thunder vs. Knicks betting trends
- The Thunder are 2-0 SU vs. the Knicks this season.
- The home team has gone 2-0 ATS in their meetings this season.
- The Under has gone 2-0 in their meetings this season.
π― Early Thunder vs. Knicks pick
See all of our experts' NBA picks.
Thereβs a reason the Thunder would be such a heavy favorite in this hypothetical matchup, despite the Knicks being a popular team (New York has accounted for at least 63% of spread bets in each of its last five games, per BetMGM).
While the Knicks have had a better run recently, the Thunder have been the better team for a longer stretch of time, which has contributed to Oklahoma City having shorter championship odds than New York ever since July 3, 2024, per Coversβ Sports Odds History. I wouldn't overreact to the Knicks sweeping the Cavaliers and 76ers.
Best bet: Thunder to win NBA Finals over Knicks (-265)
βοΈ Spurs vs. Knicks preview & odds breakdown
The Knicks facing the Spurs would be a rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals, which San Antonio won in five games. But instead of suiting up for New York (like he did in '99), Rick Brunson will be on the sidelines as a Knicks assistant coach while his son, Jalen, tries to bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Manhattan for the first time since 1973.
Let's see how these teams have performed in the postseason:
| Spurs | Playoff stat | Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| 10-6 | W-L | 12-2 β |
| 10-6 | ATS | 11-3 β |
| 10-6 | O/U | 8-6 |
| 114.9 | Offensive rating | 123.3 β |
| 105 | Defensive rating | 103.5 β |
| 9.9 | Net rating | 19.8 β |
| 61.6 β | Assist % | 61.3 |
| 51.3 | Rebounding % | 54.8 β |
| 15.4 | Turnover ratio | 14.0 β |
| 54.2 | Effective field goal % | 59.2 β |
While the Knicks have outperformed the Spurs in most advanced stats during the playoffs, the Spurs would still be favored in a hypothetical finals matchup because they would have home-court advantage (which is worth more in the postseason).
The Spurs were a 3.5-point betting favorite when these teams met in San Antonio on New Year's Eve - remember, home-court advantage is worth less in the regular season - so while the market has upgraded both teams over the past few months, it's saying that New York has not improved at a greater rate than San Antonio. Yes, the Knicks have better stats than the Spurs in the playoffs, but they've also faced teams with lower power rankings.
📈 Spurs vs. Knicks betting trends
- The Knicks are 2-1 SU vs. the Spurs this season.
- The Knicks are 3-0 ATS vs. the Spurs this season.
- The Over has gone 2-1 in their meetings this season.
π― Early Spurs vs. Knicks pick
While I agree with the market that the Spurs should be favored in this series, Knicks +185 (which carries an implied probability of 35.09%) is too good a price to pass up.
New York has won two of three meetings with San Antonio this season, and while Karl-Anthony Towns isn't an elite defender, his quickness and size should be enough to slow down Victor Wembanyama over the course of a best-of-seven series.
Best bet: Knicks to win NBA Finals over Spurs (+185)
π° NBA Finals predictions & futures best bets 2026
If I were part of the Knicks organization, I would be hoping to face the Spurs in the finals, as New York has had more success against San Antonio this season than it has against Oklahoma City.
As the market currently stands, I like the Thunder as a proven championship-caliber team to beat the Knicks. However, thereβs value in the Knicks against the Spurs if San Antonio can come back in its series, as New York matches up better with Wembanyama and company.
Best bets
- Thunder to win NBA Finals over Knicks (-265)
- Knicks to win NBA Finals over Spurs (+185)
📃 Affiliate disclosure
Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
Related Articles
