Published Jun 4, 10:27pm ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 4, 10:27pm ET
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Updated Jun 4, 10:27pm ET
Friday’s NBA Playoff action features the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Who has the edge in our Spurs vs Knicks pick?
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| San Antonio Spurs | -6 (-115) |
| New York Knicks | +6 (-105) |
San Antonio trailed 2–1 in the Western Conference Finals before winning three of the final four games to advance. However, the Spurs dropped the NBA Finals opener 105–95 to a New York team that entered the series rested and experienced.
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San Antonio led by as many as 14 points in the second half. But the Knicks stormed back to stun the Spurs and their fans at Frost Bank Center.
Victor Wembanyama powered the offense with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, but shot 6-for-21 from the field. Stephon Castle scored 17 points and collected eight rebounds and Dylan Harper contributed 16 points and eight boards off the bench.
The Knicks entered the Finals courtesy of an impressive 11-game win streak. And despite being off for more than a week, the road team prevailed in Game 1.
New York saw a 94-86 advantage turn into a one-point deficit following San Antonio's 9-0 run. Unfazed by a frenzied atmosphere, the Knicks responded with an 11-0 run en route to outscoring the home team 29-19 in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson led the way with 30 points (including 13 in the final frame), three rebounds, and two assists. While he didn't have a great shooting night, going 12-for-31 from the field, he delivered when his team needed him the most. Karl-Anthony Towns registered 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
The Knicks' defense was superb, holding San Antonio to 36 percent shooting overall and 26 percent from deep. Their 12th straight postseason wins ties the 1999 Spurs and 2015 Warriors for the third-longest streak in NBA history.
Although it dropped the opener, San Antonio enters this contest as a six-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 2.
San Antonio has dominated this matchup at home, winning 11 of the last 13, while New York counters with a scorching 7–1 run on the road. The Knicks have shown grit, but expect the Spurs to rise to the moment and knot the series at 1–1.
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Pick
San Antonio Spurs (-6)
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