The New York Knicks can put themselves on the doorstep of a championship when they host Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. New York went into San Antonio and took each of the first two contests, extending its winning streak to an incredible 13 games. That’s right; the Knicks have not lost since Game 3 of their first-round series against the Hawks.
Let’s dive into my Spurs vs. Knicks NBA Finals Game 3 prediction.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks odds
Money line: Spurs +110 / Knicks -130
Spread: Spurs +2.5 (-110) / Knicks -2.5 (-110)
Total: Over 216.5 (-105) / Under 216.5 (-115)
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks best bet: Under 216.5 (-115)
The NBA Finals began with a pair of low-scoring affairs in San Antonio. New York took both, winning 105-95 in the series opener and 105-104 this past Friday. The total came down only from 217.5 to 216.5 after Game 1 and has not moved at all going into Game 3, so the value remains on the under. Throughout the playoffs, the Knicks’ defense has been amazing — this after being quite stout during the regular season, as well (fifth in the NBA in scoring defense at 110.1 ppg allowed). New York has given up more than 108 points only once in its entire playoff run and has limited opponents to fewer than 100 points on five occasions.
The Spurs are not too shabby, themselves, on the defensive end. After allowing 111.5 ppg during the regular season, they have held opponents to 105 points or fewer in five of their last six games dating back to the Western Conference Finals against the defending champion Thunder. San Antonio, of course, is led by NBA Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama. The Frenchman has struggled with his shot in these NBA Finals so far (40.5 percent from the floor, 26.7 percent from three-point land) but has delivered seven blocks and three steals through two contests.
Of concern for the Western Conference representatives is that they scored just 104 points in Game 2 even though De’Aaron Fox went for 20. And what’s to say they will get that kind of production from him again? Fox, who is making his way back from an ankle injury, has been limited to single-digits in three of the last five games.
The under is 3-1 San Antonio’s last four overall, 6-3 in New York’s last nine at home, and 3-0 in the last three head-to-head meetings.