Spurs Edge Knicks in 7-Game Finals Forecast as Wembanyama's 39-5 Run Looms
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 2
Spurs Edge Knicks in 7-Game Finals Forecast as Wembanyama's 39-5 Run Looms
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 2
San Antonio was picked to beat New York in seven games, with the call framed as close enough to swing on 3-point variance, injuries or even backup-center minutes.
39-5 in Victor Wembanyama's last 44 games of 20-plus minutes, the Spurs enter with the stronger regular-season profile — nine more wins than the Knicks and a better scoring margin.
New York's case rests on matchup pressure: Karl-Anthony Towns' five-out shooting, OG Anunoby's size and a 2-1 season edge over San Antonio, including a 114-89 rout in March.
The Knicks also arrive on an 11-game tear with the best scoring margin ever over that span, though the analysis flags favorable rest, shooting luck and Mitchell Robinson's injured pinkie as risks.
Even with betting markets implying about a 67% Spurs title chance, the forecast argues New York is undervalued and puts San Antonio's true odds closer to 57%.