NBA Finals 2026: the Knicks paradox
The New York Knicks have become the biggest phenomenon of the NBA Finals — at least at the betting window. In New York, nearly half of all DraftKings betting volume has been placed on the Knicks to win the championship, even though the San Antonio Spurs enter as favorites
The NBA Finals are not only played on the hardwood, but also in the sportsbooks. And this year, one trend stands out above all others: the New York Knicks have become the public’s favorite underdog.
According to data from DraftKings Sportsbook, nearly half of all money wagered in New York on the NBA Finals champion has been placed on the Knicks. It’s a staggering figure, essentially matching the combined handle of every other team.
Despite the excitement, the on-court reality tells a different story.
Spurs are the favorites, but…
The San Antonio Spurs enter the series as the betting favorites. Opening odds had them as high as -220 before settling closer to -200 following the heavy flow of money backing New York.
The Knicks, meanwhile, opened around +180 underdogs, but the market quickly moved in their favor because of the enormous betting volume.
Knicks Enter the Finals Red Hot: 11 straight wins and well rested
New York arrives at the Finals riding significant momentum:
- Two playoff series sweeps
- 11 consecutive victories
- Eight full days of rest before Game 1
That last detail could prove especially important against a Spurs team that just survived a grueling seven-game battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
As ESPN Research noted, in similar Finals matchups – where one team swept its previous series while the other advanced in 7 games – the more rested team has won 5 of the last 8 Finals.
The 2026 NBA Finals paradox
These Finals present a fascinating contradiction: the Knicks are the public’s darling and the betting favorite among fans, yet the Spurs remain the statistical and basketball favorite.
Between the hype surrounding New York, the betting trends, and the sheer talent of Victor Wembanyama, this series appears far more competitive than the odds alone might suggest.