- The New York Knicks are our fearless forecast to win and cover the -2.5 spread, as their superior offensive depth featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges creates a matchup nightmare San Antonio cannot solve.
- With a betting total that has climbed to 233.5, we're hammering the Over, anticipating a high-octane affair driven by the Spurs' transition game and the Knicks' multi-level scoring threats.
- Our recommended play on the Knicks represents a contrarian position against the public, as betting data shows 64.2% of the money backing the underdog Spurs to cover the spread.
Knicks vs Spurs Picks, Props, and Best Bets for NBA Cup Final
The inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament reaches its crescendo in a winner-take-all championship showdown that pits Eastern Conference firepower against Western Conference upside. The revamped New York Knicks, anchored by the explosive Jalen Brunson and complemented by All-Stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, enter as favorites against a hungry San Antonio Spurs squad. The Spurs counter with the lightning-quick De'Aaron Fox orchestrating their fast-paced attack alongside the generational talent of Victor Wembanyama.
This clash represents more than just a tournament final—it's a statement game for both franchises. The Knicks seek validation for their star-studded roster overhaul, while the Spurs aim to announce their return to relevance behind their dynamic young core. The single-elimination format on neutral court adds unpredictability that sharp bettors can exploit.
The championship tips off from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, December 16, at 8:30 PM EST, with Amazon Prime Video providing national coverage. This fearless forecast will dissect the critical matchups, analyze coaching chess matches, and deliver the essential betting insights needed before wagering on who makes history.
New users can claim the linked BetMGM bonus code to win $150 in bonus bets or get a $1,500 First Bet Offer, depending on their location.
Spurs vs Knicks Betting Odds
The championship game betting market prices the New York Knicks as slight favorites, reflecting oddsmakers' respect for their star-powered roster while acknowledging San Antonio's upset potential.
| Bet Type | San Antonio Spurs | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +2.5 (-105) | -2.5 (-115) |
| Moneyline | +120 | -142 |
| Total Points | Over 233.5 (-115) | Under 233.5 (-105) |
Odds as of December 16 from DraftKings.
The NBA Cup Championship odds suggest a contest decided by single-digit margin, with the Knicks' -142 moneyline implying approximately a 56.4% vig-free win probability against San Antonio's 41.3% upset chances. A successful $10 wager on New York's moneyline yields $7.04 profit, while backing the Spurs returns $12 on the same investment.
Significant line movement has occurred since market opening. The game total experienced dramatic adjustment, climbing six full points from its 227.5 opener to the current 233.5. This substantial increase reflects heavy action on the Over, aligning with expectations of offensive fireworks between two high-powered attacks.
The point spread opened at Knicks -2.5 and held firm, though juice movement from -105 to -115 on New York indicates respected money backing the favorites despite public support for San Antonio. This line stability suggests oddsmakers' confidence in their initial assessment of the championship game dynamics.
Fearless Forecast: Knicks vs Spurs NBA Cup Championship Predictions
While the Spurs possess the offensive firepower to keep pace in this championship clash, the top-tier talent concentration on the New York Knicks roster creates an insurmountable advantage. In single-elimination scenarios, star power typically prevails, and the trio of Brunson, Towns, and Bridges gives New York decisive edge in crunch time execution.
The Knicks excel in close contests where their veteran leadership shines. Their halfcourt execution becomes critical in tournament settings, and Brunson's 29.5 points prop reflects his ability to elevate in high-stakes moments. Towns provides the interior mismatch that Wembanyama's rim protection can't fully neutralize, while Bridges exploits the attention his teammates command.
San Antonio's path to victory runs through their transition offense, where Fox's speed creates easy buckets before the Knicks can set their defense. However, New York's defense limits opponent fast-break points, limiting the Spurs' primary weapon. The Knicks' defensive versatility disrupts the Spurs' rhythm offense.
Lock of the Week: New York Knicks -2.5 (-115)
The spread offers better value than the -142 moneyline while reflecting the game's projected margin. The Knicks simply present more ways to win this contest. Their clutch-time execution is a key factor in close contests. If San Antonio focuses defensive attention on stopping Brunson's penetration, Towns exploits favorable frontcourt matchups. Double-team Towns, and Brunson finds Bridges for open looks from beyond the arc.
Best Total Play: Over 233.5 (-115)
The total has climbed from its 227.5 opener, signaling sharp money anticipating offensive fireworks. Both teams play with an elevated pace, with the Spurs often pushing tempo and the Knicks showing strength in transition. Las Vegas' neutral court environment often produces higher-scoring affairs, as teams lack defensive familiarity with opponent tendencies. Both the Knicks and Spurs have shown strong offensive performances recently.
Best Player Prop: Mikal Bridges Over 14.5 Points (-111)
Bridges represents our strongest prop value, positioned as the clear tertiary option who benefits from defensive attention drawn by Brunson and Towns. The Spurs' switching defense will struggle to account for his off-ball movement, creating favorable matchups in transition and spot-up situations. His efficient scoring profile doesn't require high usage to exceed this modest total, making it our most confident individual wager.
Knicks vs Spurs Betting Trends: Tournament-Specific Angles
Given this represents the third edition of the NBA Cup Championship, traditional head-to-head betting trends lack relevance. However, situational trends from tournament play provide valuable insight for sharp bettors.
• Knicks are 4-1 ATS in tournament games, with their lone spread loss coming as 8.5-point home favorites against Detroit
• Spurs have covered 3 of 4 tournament contests, failing only as 6-point underdogs in their group stage finale
• Recent tournament games involving these teams have often seen elevated scoring, reflecting the pace both clubs maintain
• Road favorites of 3 points or fewer are 18-7 ATS this season, supporting the Knicks' championship game positioning
• Teams coming off upset victories as underdogs are 12-21 ATS the following game, a concerning trend for San Antonio
Public Betting: Contrarian Opportunity Emerges
The betting public's fascination with the underdog Spurs creates a compelling fade opportunity for our championship selections. Sharp money appears to be taking a different approach than the recreational betting masses.
Claim the linked DraftKings promo code to bet $5 on the NBA Cup and get $200 in bonus bets (if you win).
Moneyline & Spread: Spurs Support Creates Value
A significant divergence between bet count and handle reveals where the smart money lands. While 56.1% of individual bets back the Knicks to win outright, a substantial 63.7% of the total handle supports San Antonio, indicating larger wagers favor the upset.
This trend intensifies in the spread market:
- San Antonio Spurs (+2.5): Attracting 56.8% of bets and 64.2% of the money
- New York Knicks (-2.5): Receiving just 43.2% of bets and 35.9% of the handle
Our Knicks -2.5 recommendation directly contradicts this public sentiment, creating a contrarian angle that historically provides value. The betting public's infatuation with the Spurs' upset potential over Oklahoma City appears to be clouding their judgment regarding this matchup's fundamental dynamics.
Total: Universal Agreement on Scoring
The game total presents rare unanimity, with 82.9% of all bets and 82.1% of the handle backing the Over. This overwhelming consensus aligns perfectly with our prediction, as both recreational and professional bettors expect the potent offenses to dictate pace in Las Vegas.