Saturday marked a pivotal moment in NBA Cup history as the San Antonio Spurs pulled off a surprising victory over the favored Oklahoma City Thunder. This win wasn’t just about securing a spot in the tournament finals—it was a clear message that the Spurs have evolved from a promising young team into serious contenders capable of challenging any team in the league. Having defeated the top team from the Western Conference, the Spurs will now go head-to-head with the Eastern Conference leaders, the New York Knicks, on Tuesday.
The Knicks’ path to the finals was comparatively quiet, having not faced stars like Luka Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Still, New York has been eagerly awaiting a professional basketball championship appearance for 52 years. The Knicks are determined to bring the NBA Cup back to New York and make a strong statement—if they can’t beat the reigning champions, they aim to defeat the team that did.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s NBA Cup Finals showdown:
New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Date: December 16 (Tuesday)
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Live Stream: Amazon Prime Video
- Odds (FanDuel): Knicks -136 | Spurs +116 | Over/Under: 232.5
Both teams stand evenly matched with identical records (18-7). New York holds a slight edge given Victor Wembanyama’s extended absence for San Antonio. With Wembanyama back, the Spurs roughly match the Knicks when Jalen Brunson is on the court, though these players haven’t shared time this season. Betting here is more about game style: San Antonio allows the second-most mid-range shots in the NBA and ranks sixth in mid-range field goal percentage. This aggressive drop defense could be a challenge for Brunson, who thrives on mid-range opportunities. In this tight matchup, New York’s slight advantage in this area makes the Knicks a narrow favorite. Suggested bet: Knicks -2.5.
In single-elimination games, scoring tends to be lower as players start cautiously and nerves run high. The Spurs’ youth and inexperience contrast with the Knicks’ slower, strategic style, which favors a half-court battle rather than a fast-paced game. Suggested total points pick: Under 232.5.
San Antonio’s defensive tendencies allow a high volume of three-pointers, especially from the left corner—a hot spot for Harrison Barnes, who leads the league in made threes from that spot with over 47% accuracy this season. Given this, betting on Barnes to hit more than 1.5 three-pointers is a strong play (-190 odds).
Fan Take: This NBA Cup final isn’t just about crowning a champion—it’s a clash of two teams on the rise, each representing different styles and narratives. For basketball fans, it promises thrilling competition and could highlight emerging talents who will shape the future of the league.
