Experts Pick Spurs in 6, Knicks in 6 Ahead of 2026 NBA Finals

3 articles · Updated · Pounding The Rock · Jun 3

Two team analysts split on the 2026 NBA Finals matchup, with San Antonio writer J.R. picking the Spurs in six and Knicks editor Russell Richardson ultimately leaning New York in six.
Both framed the series around major offensive shifts: the Spurs moved away from forcing everything through Victor Wembanyama after the All-Star break, while the Knicks unlocked "Point KAT" after falling behind 1-2 to Atlanta.
San Antonio's case centers on playoff-tested momentum, Dylan Harper's emergence and Wembanyama's rim protection, especially if the Spurs can keep him off Karl-Anthony Towns and near the basket.
New York's path relies on faster pace, more ballhandling from Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, and a shared scoring load that fueled an 11-game winning streak, though Richardson flagged the risk of rust after eight games in a month.
The discussion cast the Finals as a stylistic rematch of 1999, but with modern twists: both teams now run offense through 7-foot playmakers and enter the series believing recent tactical evolution changed them since their December meetings.