2026 NBA Finals Game 2 Betting Insights: Knicks vs. Spurs
The New York Knicks came from behind to win Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the second half to secure a 105-95 victory. As the series progresses, San Antonio is heavily favored to regain footing. At FanDuel, the Spurs stand with a -225 moneyline and are -6.5 favorites on a 215.5 total as of Friday afternoon.
I’ve advised taking New York at +6, down to +5, based on my prediction for them to win the championship and by at least 1.5 games. Thus, I avoid betting on San Antonio as a series favorite.
Karl-Anthony Towns Attributes Calmness in Game 1 to Late Mother
I hesitate on the Knicks’ points due to a trend favoring the home team in Game 2 after a series-opening loss. Historically, the home team rebounds in this scenario. However, I prefer to bet on the UNDER 215.5 total for Game 2, and here’s why.
Game 2 Best Bet: UNDER 215.5
The temptation exists to favor the Over in Game 2, expecting a shift from Game 1’s results, which went under the 217.5 total with a Knicks’ win. The zigzag theory suggests betting opposite to the previous game outcome.
The Spurs, expected to recover from the initial defeat, saw Knicks center Mitchell Robinson effectively guard San Antonio’s star, Victor Wembanyama, in Game 1. Likewise, the teams’ performance in Game 1 was affected by championship-level defenses rather than shooting inconsistency, given one quarter alone had 50-plus points.
San Antonio pressured Jalen Brunson with challenging shots, while New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Robinson guarded Wembanyama well. Both teams boast elite defensive wings, crucial in minimizing Brunson and Wembanyama’s shooting success.
New York’s balanced defense, with Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, consistently disrupted opponents, including Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. The Spurs’ strategy differs, preferring slower-paced, defensive games against the Knicks’ stronger half-court play.
Both the Knicks and Spurs excel at limiting turnovers and rebounding defensively, restricting easy points and second-chance scoring. For these reasons, holding off on betting until closer to the game might be advantageous, as the public often pushes totals up, and late betting action is expected due to the NBA Finals featuring the Knicks.
Prediction: Knicks 107, Spurs 104.
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Player Prop: Castle Under 16.5 Points
Analyzing Stephon Castle’s point potential for Game 2 against the Knicks suggests staying under 16.5 points.
Follow my updates on X @Geoffery-Clark, and tune in to my OutKick Bets Podcast for more betting insights. Geoff Clark contributes as a sports betting expert with OutKick.